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A Salem man has been charged with sexual assault after a 10-year-old girl told investigators he touched her at her home, according to court records filed in Baxter County Circuit Court.
Thomas Allen Musgrove, 43, is charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree, a Class D felony. Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge filed the felony information June 2.
The charge stems from an incident on or about May 22, according to a probable cause affidavit by Investigator Bryce Hinson. The girl reported she was lying on a couch watching television at her home when Musgrove, described as a friend of her father, moved next to her.
The affidavit alleges Musgrove put his right hand inside the girl’s shorts and rubbed her bare buttocks. The girl said the contact continued for about two hours, until her father walked into the living room and the two separated. The affidavit states Musgrove left the home a short time later.
The girl’s father told investigators he saw Musgrove sitting next to her when he entered the room, and that both appeared startled.
A Crimes Against Children Division investigator conducted a forensic interview with the girl on May 26 at Grandma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center, which Hinson observed. The center provides a setting for trained specialists to interview children in suspected abuse cases.
Under Arkansas law, a person commits sexual assault in the fourth degree when, at age 20 or older, the person has sexual contact with someone younger than 16.
A judge set Musgrove’s bond at $15,000 and ordered him to have no contact with the victim. He is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
This story involves an allegation of child sexual abuse. Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-482-5964.
