The chairman of Siloam Springs’ Planning Commission has resigned following an arrest last week on suspicion of sexual assaulting a three year old girl, according to city and court documents.
Garrett Brown, 27, was arrested Oct. 28 on suspicion of second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony, according to an arrest warrant issued in Benton County last week. He was released from the Benton County Jail on $20,000 bond, and waived probable cause in the case.
His arraignment is set for Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. in Division II in Benton County Circuit Court, according to court documents.
Brown resigned from his position as the Planning Commission’s chairman following his arrest.
A three-year-old girl told investigators with the Benton County Child Advocacy Center on Oct. 24 that Brown touched her inappropriately, used "a tool" on her and forced her into a sex act. The girl's mother had contacted authorities after the alleged victim told her about the suspected sexual assault, according to a probable cause affidavit.
A warrant for Brown's arrest was issued four days later by the county.
Brown issued a resignation letter Monday, in which he writes that "I will no longer be living in the planning area." He asked that his resignation be effective immediately. Brown makes no mention of the sexual assault arrest in the resignation letter.
Holland Hayden, a spokeswoman for the City of Siloam Springs, told 5NEWS Brown's position is not technically a city position, as the Planning Commission advises the city's Board of Directors.