SPRINGDALE (KFSM) — A Springdale High School guidance counselor has been arrested in connection with sexual assault.
William Rivas, 33, was arrested Tuesday (May 15) for first-degree sexual assault, a Class A felony.
A spokesman for Springdale schools confirmed Rivas worked for the district, but couldn’t comment further citing personnel matters.
Rivas was also a volunteer at the Cross Church Springdale campus. The church released the following statement:
Cross Church and it’s staff deeply regret the situation that has allegedly transpired between
William Rivas and a minor. It is our understanding that this man was a volunteer in our Student
and Hispanic ministry on the Cross Church Springdale Campus. Upon knowledge of this
investigation William was immediately removed from volunteering at Cross Church. Cross
Church thoroughly vets anyone who wishes to serve as a volunteer and this situation was no
different as he was background checked and nothing indicated he has any previous actions of
this nature on his record. As with any investigation Cross Church is fully cooperating with the
authorities and will make no further comments at this point, as this is an open investigation.
Rivas was being held Wednesday (May 16) at the Washington County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. He has a hearing set for June 20 in Washington County Circuit Court.
In Arkansas, Class A felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
