On 2/24/14, detectives with the Benton Police Department Special Investigative Unit (SIU) received information about a suspect possibly trying to initiate sexual contact with a female juvenile via social media.
The suspect, later identified as Jonathan Ivy (22 YOA) of Arkadelphia, started to correspond with investigators posing as the juvenile, and he shared explicit pictures and information with them. Ivy was eventually arrested by detectives on 3/28/14.
Information obtained by detectives led them to another suspect involved in similar illegal activity. The suspect, later identified as Richard Washam (24 YOA) of Pine Bluff, started to correspond with investigators posing as the female juvenile, and he shared explicit pictures and information with them. Washam initiated a meeting with the juvenile for the purpose of deviate sexual activity, and was subsequently placed under arrest on 5/26/14 at the prearranged meeting spot.
Ivy is charged with Computer Child Pornography, Pandering or Possessing Visual or Print Medium Depicting Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child, and Sexually Grooming a Child. Washam is charged with Internet Stalking of a Child, Computer Child Pornography, Pandering or Possessing Visual or Print Medium Depicting Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child, and Sexually Grooming a Child. Additionally, Washam is an active parolee out of the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections and is being held on a no bond white warrant out of their agency.
This is still an on-going investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming. Anybody with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at
501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
