Paragould, Arkansas – A Paragould man is being held on a $1 million bond after police accused him of repeatedly raping a child under the age of 14.
Steele Kohle Ipock, 30, was arrested Friday, Aug. 21, and faces four counts of rape, each classified as a Class Y felony. He remains in custody at the Greene County Detention Center while awaiting a court appearance.
According to Paragould police, the investigation began after authorities received information from the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline. Lieutenant Jack Hailey said police received the tip on Aug. 11 concerning allegations that a child had been raped by Ipock.
The case was then investigated with the involvement of an Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division investigator. During an interview, the child reportedly described four separate incidents involving Ipock, according to Hailey. The allegations included intercourse.
Details contained in an affidavit also indicate that the child later contacted Ipock through social media. The victim reportedly told him she was afraid she might be pregnant.
The allegations led investigators to pursue the case, ultimately resulting in Ipock’s arrest on the four rape charges. Police have not indicated that additional charges have been filed in connection with the investigation.
The case involves allegations against an adult concerning a child under 14, and the charges are serious felony offenses under Arkansas law. Ipock has been accused of the crimes but has not been convicted, and the allegations will be addressed through the court process.
Ipock remains detained at the Greene County Detention Center. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office lists his bond at $1 million.
The investigation followed the report made through the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline and the subsequent interview conducted as part of the Crimes Against Children Division inquiry. Authorities have not released additional details about the child or other information that could identify the victim.
Ipock is expected to appear in court as the case moves forward.
