School worker accused of sexual assault no longer at job

BENTONVILLE — Micah Whitfield, former technical director of Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School, is no longer with the school district, district Communications Director Leslee Wright said Wednesday.

Whitfield, 47, of Rogers was arrested Jan. 29 in connection with a sexual assault, according to a probable cause affidavit. Prosecutors have not filed a formal charge against him. Whitfield’s arraignment is scheduled for March 11. He was released Jan. 31 from the Benton County jail on a $50,000 bond. Whitfield was arrested after a student reported he sexually assaulted her friend, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Whitfield’s name was listed under resignations/retirements in the personnel packet for the Bentonville School Board’s regular meeting agenda Tuesday night. After going into executive session, the board voted 7-0 to approve all the personnel recommendations in the packet.

The student told police about her concerns that her friend had been sexually assaulted, according to the affidavit.

Police interviewed the girl, who reported Whitfield sexually assaulted her. She reported she had several encounters with Whitfield that were sexual in nature throughout the school year, according to the affidavit. She said Whitfield had kissed her, touched her inappropriately and sent text messages saying he wanted to meet her.

The girl also was interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, the affidavit states.

Police interviewed Whitfield, who admitted being in a position of authority over the girl in the theater program, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit claims Whitfield said he was told not to have any more communications with the girl, but he made a Snapchat account and continued to communicate with her. He admitted kissing the girl several times and asking her to send him photos of her, according to the affidavit.

Siloam Springs District Judge A.J. Anglin ordered Whitfield not to have any contact with the girl.

Whitfield’s salary for this school year is $59,345, according to documents listed on the school district’s website.