NEWPORT — A 20-year-old Newark man is free on $10,000 bond after being charged with fourth-degree sexual assault, a Class D felony, for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl and later suggesting she punch herself in the stomach to end the pregnancy.
TJ Mears of Newark was arrested March 2 by Independence County sheriff’s deputies following the issuance of a bench warrant. He was released from the Independence County Detention Center the following afternoon after posting bond.
According to an affidavit filed in Independence County Circuit Court, Lt. Zach Rawlins of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division interviewed the victim multiple times and reviewed cellphone conversations between her and Mears.
The messages initially showed both parties expressing happiness about the pregnancy, but later shifted to Mears asking the minor to take action to terminate it. During a Feb. 25 interview with investigators, Mears admitted to engaging in a “dating relationship” with the child and confirmed the sexual encounters were consensual from his perspective.
Mears told investigators he later considered the consequences and sent messages suggesting the victim punch herself in the stomach to “get rid of the baby.” He acknowledged during the interview that it was not appropriate for a 20-year-old to engage in sexual acts with a 14-year-old.
A judge found probable cause to issue the charge following review of the evidence. Fourth-degree sexual assault in Arkansas applies when a person 20 years of age or older engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with someone less than 16 years old.
The case remains under investigation by the Independence County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police. No trial date has been set.
