An Independence County man was arrested Wednesday on a felony sexual assault charge involving an 11-year-old girl, officials said.
Travis Andrew Matlock, 33, of Oil Trough, was taken into custody Feb. 18. He faces one count of second-degree sexual assault, a Class B felony, following a referral from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim told investigators that Matlock touched her inappropriately after lying down with her to help her fall asleep in December. The child reported that the incident occurred while her mother was bathing and another sibling was asleep in the room.
In an interview with Lieutenant Zach Rawlins of the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, Matlock acknowledged being in the room to help the child sleep, but denied that any sexual contact occurred.
Matlock is currently being held on a $150,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026. Under state law, the charge carries a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison.
Travis Andrew Matlock
Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Department
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