A former Gassville resident has been extradited from California to face serious criminal charges involving alleged incidents dating back nearly 10 years.
According to Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, 61-year-old Raymond Edward Bennett is currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on 1 count of rape and 2 counts of sexual assault in the 4th degree.
Authorities say Bennett is accused of sexually assaulting 2 children at various times in 2016. Sheriff John Montgomery said in a news release that detailed information provided by the victims led to the issuance of an arrest warrant on February 3, 2026.
Investigators determined Bennett had relocated to California prior to the charges being filed. He was later arrested on April 6 in Amador County and extradited back to Arkansas on April 20.
Bennett is being held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in circuit court on April 27.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
