A Lawrence County man already listed as a registered sex offender is facing multiple new felony charges after investigators reportedly discovered child sexual abuse material on a cell phone.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested William C. Mullen, 34, of Imboden on Tuesday on 9 counts of possession or use of child sexual abuse material and 4 counts of failing to comply with registration and reporting requirements.
Investigators said the case began after a probation and parole officer provided Detective Chris Parnell with a thumb drive containing a forensic analysis of Mullen’s phone in April.
Authorities stated Mullen, who was previously convicted of second-degree sexual assault, is prohibited from possessing a smart phone. Investigators said Mullen admitted to using the device.
According to the affidavit, detectives reportedly found 9 images involving a partially clad child along with hundreds of additional images involving underage females in bathing suits, adult pornography videos, and nude adult images.
Investigators also stated Mullen had downloaded 3 messaging applications that were not reported as required under Arkansas law for registered sex offenders.
Mullen was arrested May 19 and remains held at the Lawrence County Detention Center awaiting a court appearance scheduled for June 29.
According to The Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Mullen is classified as a Level 2 sex offender, indicating a moderate risk of reoffending.
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