A Cleburne County man who authorities say was a caregiver with a local foster organization is facing rape and other charges.
According to a release from Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown, Ryan Jacob Armstrong (pictured), 32, of Concord, was arrested June 12 after a months-long investigation that began in September 2022 when his office received a report of sexual indecency with a child.
Armstrong was brought to the Cleburne County Jail, where Brown said he was booked on three felony charges: rape; second-degree sexual assault; and distributing, possessing, or viewing of matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
Shortly after Armstrong was brought to jail Monday on an arrest warrant issued June 8, he posted a $150,000 bond and was released, according to the sheriff.
According to court information, investigators allegedly discovered 450 “inappropriate” photos of underage subjects on Armstrong’s cell phone after obtaining a search warrant.
Brown’s release said Armstrong was a volunteer temporary caregiver for a local foster organization, The Call, and a martial arts instructor in the Concord area.
Sheriff Brown said the investigation is ongoing, and his office is requesting any information to contact the criminal investigation division of his office at (501) 362-8143.
Brown noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Image: Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office
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