Paragould, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – A Paragould man who previously had felony sexual assault charges dropped now faces similar charges following an investigation that began last fall.
Lee Banis, 41, was arrested and booked into the Greene County Detention Center on Aug. 14 at 7:33 p.m. According to a probable cause affidavit, Paragould police received a report on Oct. 21, 2025, regarding allegations of sexual abuse.
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During an interview with an Arkansas State Police investigator, a victim disclosed acts that constituted rape and second-degree sexual assault, naming Banis as the suspect. The following day, an additional individual was interviewed and corroborated key details of the account.
Banis was scheduled to appear before a judge on Aug. 17. He is currently being held without bond and faces charges of rape (Class Y felony) and second-degree sexual assault (Class B felony).
Court documents show that Banis was previously arrested by Jonesboro police in Oct. 2025 on two counts of rape and one count of a sex crime for inappropriate conduct involving multiple victims.
On Aug. 14, Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood’s office submitted an order of nolle prosequi regarding those earlier charges. The filing came after investigators were unable to maintain contact with the victims for scheduled appointments. Authorities indicated the victims had relocated out of state and left no contact information, resulting in the charges being dropped.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic/sexual violence, call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline. You can also call 870-933-9449 to reach the Family Crisis Center’s emergency hotline.
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