A former Gassville Arkansas resident has been booked into the Baxter County Detention Center on charges of Rape and Sexual Assault following an investigation into allegations that he had molested two female juvenile victims at various times during 2016.
The victims provided specific detailed information as to what occurred, which allowed investigators to obtain a warrant for the arrest of the offender. The warrant was issued on February 3, 2026. The offender had left the state and moved to California before the charges were filed and warrant issued.
The offender was arrested on or before April 6th in Amador County, California on the Baxter County warrant. He was extradited and brought back to Baxter County to face the charges. The offender has denied the allegations.
RAYMOND EDWARD BENNETT, 61 years of age, has been booked on charges of:
Rape – Felony
Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree (2 count) – Felonies
BENNETT is currently being held in custody in lieu of $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear before the Circuit Court.
/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff