Ash Flat, Ark. – A Sharp County man has been charged with multiple counts of rape following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division (CACD), according to an affidavit filed in Sharp County Circuit Court. Michael Leonard Hirscher, 65, faces allegations detailed in a probable cause affidavit submitted by Special Agent Tyler W. Bishop seeking a warrant for his arrest.
Allegations and Investigation
The affidavit states that the CACD received a report from a mandated reporter alleging that Hirscher had sexually assaulted a minor victim on multiple occasions over a period spanning several years. The victim disclosed the abuse during a forensic interview conducted at the Child Advocacy Center, reporting that Hirscher engaged in sexual intercourse with them on at least three separate occasions, with the most recent incident occurring approximately one month prior to the interview.
Further investigation revealed that Hirscher has a prior conviction for rape in Sharp County Circuit Court, for which he served a 15-year sentence and was released on parole.
Hirscher is charged with three counts of rape under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-14-103, a Class Y felony, which carries a potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment without parole, depending on the circumstances and prior convictions. The affidavit notes Hirscher’s status as a registered sex offender due to his prior conviction. As of the latest filing, Hirscher has been arrested
Ongoing Investigation
The Arkansas State Police CACD, in coordination with the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, continues to investigate the case. The affidavit requests a warrant for Hirscher’s arrest based on the victim’s statements and corroborating evidence, though specific forensic or physical evidence details were not included in the filing. Authorities have not released information about other potential victims or incidents.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Arkansas State Police CACD at (501) 618-8500 or the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 994-7356. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the respective agency tip lines.
The Batesville Tribune will provide updates on this case as new information becomes available, including the issuance of the arrest warrant and court proceedings.
