Jenny Hamel Reports
SPRINGDALE -- An Immigration and Naturalization Services officer was behind bars in Springdale Wednesday night after being arrested on third-degree sexual assault charges.
Police say the alleged victim is a 21-year-old Turkish national who was being held in the Washington County Sheriff's Office awaiting deportation proceedings. The victim alleges that while being transported to a doctor's office from the facility, her INS officer made a detour, took her to a motel room in Springdale then raped her.
The officer is Curtis Hall, 38, who was arrested by Springdale police on third-degree sexual assault charges. Detectives say although Hall originally said there was never a motel room visit, after further questioning he then changed his story.
"Initially, he denied the rape, but he then admitted to taking her to a hotel room, and that they had sexual relationship, but that it was consensual," Lt. Brian Simmons said.
Hall is from Nashville, Tennessee but had been working as an INS detention transport officer in northwest Arkansas while on temporary assignment. Hall was staying in the Springdale motel room where the assault allegedly occurred.
"I anticipate there's a lot of people that are going to be angry about this on different levels," Simmons said. "Him being an INS officer, and her being an immigrant, that is disconcerting."
The victim had been arrested by Springdale police on a felony charge, although the nature of the charge was not disclosed. She was in the custody of Washington County for two months awaiting deportation. She is reportedly in good physical condition, but dealing with the trauma of the event.
Hall is behind bars at the Washington County Jail while investigation into this alleged sexual assault continues.
SOURCE: kfsm.com