Rape trial may move from Lafayette to Miller County

Eathan Jeremy Settle
Eathan Jeremy Settle

LEWISVILLE, Ark. -A Stamps, Arkansas, man accused of raping an 8-year-old girl in 2017 may be tried in Miller County because of ongoing repairs being made at the Lafayette County courthouse.

Eathan Jeremy Settle, 23, is scheduled for a jury trial Oct. 5. Notes filed in the case this week by Circuit Judge Carlton Jones refer to a discussion about conducting the proceeding at the Miller County courthouse in Texarkana. The second floor of the Lafayette County Courthouse, which includes the courtroom, was heavily damaged by water because of a leaking roof, according to a courthouse official. Extensive repairs are needed and it is unlikely the courtroom will be available by Settle's trial date.

Settle was arrested during the Thanksgiving holidays in 2017 for a charge of rape, according to a probable cause affidavit. Settle was allegedly at a family member's house on Calvin Street when a neighbor heard an 8-year-old girl screaming."

Responding officers noted the girl's left eye and cheek and blood coming from the child's mouth. Scratches were reportedly observed on her neck. Settle allegedly struck the girl several times in the face before sexually assaulting her.

If found guilty of rape, Settle faces a punishment range of 25 to 40 years or life in prison.

Settle has been in the Lafayette County jail since his arrest in 2017. Settle is accused of committing other crimes while in custody.

Settle allegedly attacked another inmate with a shank fashioned from a spork (spoon-fork utensil) April 28, 2019, according to an affidavit. As a correctional officer attempted to remove Settle from the jail pod, Settle allegedly threatened him.

Settle is charged with possessing a prohibited item in the jail, with terroristic threatening and with aggravated assault.

Court records show Settle has undergone several psychological evaluations since his arrest. He has been deemed competent to stand
trial.

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