BENTONVILLE -- Prosecutors can use statements made by an accused rapist and kidnapper during his jury trial next month, according to a Wednesday ruling by Circuit Judge Brad Karren.
Charles Alan Rickman, 31, of Siloam Springs is charged with aggravated residential burglary, kidnapping, two counts of rape, battery, terroristic threatening, aggravated assault and theft of property. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial is to begin July 9.
He is accused of beating and raping a 69-year-old woman last year in her home.
Defense attorneys tried to keep statements Rickman made to Benton County Sheriff's Office detectives out of the trial by claiming the interview took place after Rickman requested an attorney.
Court documents show Rickman answered a few questions during the Oct. 3, 2017, interview, but questioning ended after he asked to speak to an attorney.
Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Rickman two days later. Capt. Ed Motsinger of the Sheriff's Office told Rickman during the arrest detectives "knew pretty much what happened," according to court documents. Motsinger also told Rickman if he changed his mind and wanted to speak to someone he would need to put in a request with jail staff.
Rickman later told a jail deputy he wanted to speak with a detective and signed a form confirming he was voluntarily speaking with detectives.
Karren heard testimony from the detectives during Wednesday's hearing and determined Rickman was advised of his rights during his initial interview, and questioning ended after he asked for an attorney.
The judge found Rickman initiated the second contact with the detective and knowingly waived his right to an attorney.
Karren found no evidence detectives coerced Rickman into providing the statement and denied the defense motion to suppress Rickman's statement.
Carrie Dobbs, deputy prosecutor, told the judge they hadn't extended any plea offers to Rickman.
The July trial is expected to take three to four days, Dobbs said. Fifty-five prospective jurors will be called to report for duty.
Detectives learned Rickman did some work at the woman's home, according to court documents.
Rickman's mother gave detectives permission to search a vehicle in the front yard registered to her. They found women's clothing, an oil container, used condoms, a blue plastic glove with blood on it and a binder containing pornographic magazines, according to the affidavit.
Rickman is being held on $250,000 bond in the Benton County Jail.
NW News on 06/22/2018