Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – A man is behind bars on a $250,000 cash/surety bond after Jonesboro police said he raped an underage victim and knew of the victim’s age when the act occurred.
According to an affidavit, on Dec. 13, police were contacted about a victim being sexually involved with 20-year-old Roger Dylan Shoemaker.
During an interview, the victim said that, in November, they were talking with a friend about Shoemaker thinking the victim was “hot” for their age. The victim also indicated they wanted to come over to engage in sex with Shoemaker, the affidavit stated.
The victim told police that they went to his house to spend the night, and they, the victim’s friend, and Shoemaker all snuck out to smoke marijuana. Upon their return, the victim went into the bedroom with Shoemaker, and the two engaged in sexual activities. The affidavit said that, at one point, the friend walked in during the act but quickly exited the room. The friend told police that Shoemaker knew the victim was underage at the time of the incident, the document added.
On Dec. 17, a detective received information that Shoemaker was at a Motel 6 in Jonesboro. Officers went there and arrested him without incident. He was immediately taken to the police department for an interview, then to the Craighead County Detention Center.
Later that day, Shoemaker appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler, who found probable cause to charge him with rape of a person less than 14 years old. In addition to his $250,000 bond, Shoemaker must have no contact with the victim and wear an ankle monitor upon release. The reasoning for the ankle monitor, according to Fowler, was that Shoemaker is said to be from Michigan.
Shoemaker’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.
Editor’s Note: JRN has chosen not to publish certain details due to the graphic nature of the case.
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. For additional resources, contact the Family Crisis Center at (870) 972-9575.
