A 21-year-old Newport man, Robert Austin Lewis, faces charges of rape after allegations of a sexual relationship with a minor emerged. Conflicting details complicate the case.

Allegations and Investigations

Authorities received information about possible sexual activity between Lewis and the minor in 2022, prompting an investigation by Poinsett County Sheriff’s Department.

A witness reported an incident where Lewis and the victim were found together in another trailer on the property. The witness noted seeing sexually explicit text messages from Lewis to the victim.

During a Mirandized interview, Lewis initially denied any sexual involvement but later admitted to being sexually active with the victim, differing on the timeframe.

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Legal Proceedings and Detainment

A judge found probable cause to charge Lewis with rape, setting a $200,000 cash/surety bond. Lewis awaits arraignment on February 22 in Poinsett County Detention Center.

Conflicting statements regarding the timing of the alleged incidents create complexities in the case, leading to uncertainties about when the sexual activity occurred.

The case highlights the challenges in establishing a clear timeline, impacting the legal proceedings.

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