PRENTISS COUNTY – An 18-year-old Booneville man was arrested after a missing endangered juvenile from Tennessee was found at a home in Prentiss County, according to the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department.
The sheriff’s department said it received information April 12 about a missing female juvenile from Selmer, Tennessee, who was believed to be at a home on County Road 3020 in Prentiss County.
Deputies Ethan Hester and N’shaun Cameron responded to the house and made contact with a male and the missing juvenile, authorities said. After further investigation, the juvenile was safely returned to her mother.
As a result of the investigation, Payton Heath Allen Bowen, 18, of Booneville was arrested and charged with statutory rape and sexual battery, according to the sheriff’s department.
Justice Court Judge Craig Bishop set Bowen’s bond at $50,000 cash or professional bond only, authorities said.
The sheriff’s department said Investigator Torie Jumper will present the case to the next Prentiss County grand jury. Investigator Aaron Stolz also assisted in the investigation.
Authorities said additional charges could also be filed in Tennessee.
