Grand jury indicts man accused of sexual assault

June 26, 2016 at 12:39 a.m. | Updated June 26, 2016 at 12:41 a.m.

by Lynn LaRowe

William Baucum
William Baucum

A New Boston, Texas, man accused of a brutal gunpoint sexual assault earlier this year was indicted Thursday by a Bowie County grand jury.

photo

Photo by Samantha Baker

Northwest Arkansas Newspapers

NWA MEDIA/SAMANTHA BAKER Eddie Andrus, president of the board for Horses for Healing, stands with Scout, talks about how children, including his daughter Brittany, have benefitted from therapeutic horse riding Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Horses for Healing located at 14673 Daniels Road in Bentonville. Horses for Healing is a non-profit organization providing therapeutic riding for individuals with special needs. Andrus' daughter, Brittany, rides Scout, and 8-year-old Paint horse, during her therapeutic sessions. Horses for Healing's annual Barn Dance fundraiser will be held June 15 at 6 p.m.

William Emmett Baucum III, allegedly beat, bit, raped and sodomized a woman he was romantically involved with for hours the night of Feb. 4 and into the morning of Feb. 5, according to a probable-cause affidavit used to create the following account. The woman told investigators Baucum became "irritated and aggressive," about 11 p.m. at his home on County Road 122. The assault allegedly continued until about 5:30 a.m.

The woman told investigators she was only able to seek help when Baucum left for work in the morning. Baucum allegedly took the woman's car keys, cellphone, cash and debit card.

A deputy who responded to the woman's emergency call at 8 a.m. Feb. 5 noted visible redness and swelling on the woman's face, as well as a bite mark on her lower jaw. The woman told the deputy Baucum bit her and hit her on other parts of her body as well.

"The victim stated that (Baucum) placed the barrel of a silver revolver action handgun to her forehead and threatened to kill her," the
affidavit states.

The woman reported that Baucum used his genitals, fingers and a sexual aid to rape and sodomize her violently.

Officers arrested Baucum at his home later that day. Inside a safe in Baucum's home, deputies found the handgun allegedly used during the assault, as well as several containers filled with
marijuana.

Baucum posted bond Feb. 7 on a $100,000 bail. He is charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault involving the use of a deadly weapon. He faces five to 99 years or life on each count if convicted. His case has been assigned to 202nd District Judge Leon Pesek Jr.

 

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