Level 3 registered sex offender accused of raping 9-year-old girl
A Level 3 registered sex offender was charged Friday with raping a 9-year-old girl who reportedly told investigators “no one believes her,” despite being assaulted on numerous occasions.
Stephen James Cash, 23, who lists a 216 Rockdale Road address, was arrested at his residence around 1:20 p.m. and charged with rape, punishable by up to life in prison.
He remained in custody Monday on zero bond and is set to appear in Garland County District Court on July 31.
According to the affidavit, Judy Jenson, with the Arkansas Department of Child and Family Services, said the girl was interviewed at the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center on Friday in reference to a report made to the Arkansas State Police hotline.
The interview was conducted by forensic interviewer Brandi Cannon and observed by an advocate, Lauren Walker, and Jenson. The interview, which was audio and video recorded, was later reviewed by an investigator with the Garland County Sheriff’s Department.
The girl reportedly described the assaults, stating that “this has happened a lot and no one believes her.” She said the assaults occurred “when she was young,” in different rooms in his residence.
When he was brought in for questioning, Cash reportedly said he was aware of the reason he was being interviewed. He reportedly denied all the allegations, stating that back in January the girl had a dream about him, “and that’s all it was, was a dream.”