HEADLINE

Arkansas signee Wallace faces sexual assault charge

Field Level Media

February 25, 2020 at 9:49 pm.

Arkansas linebacker signee Catrell Wallace was arrested Monday and charged with sexual assault of a 12-year-old victim.

Wallace, who surrendered at the Saline County jail in Benton, Ark., was charged with second-degree sexual assault and tampering, both felonies.

A statement from the Benton Police Department said the charges stem from a sexual encounter that allegedly occurred on Jan. 1 between Wallace, 18, and a 12-year-old.

“Although it appears to have been a consensual encounter, BNPD detectives were able to determine that Wallace had reason to believe the victim was underage at the time of the crime,” police said in a statement. “It was also noted that Wallace instructed witnesses to lie about the crime in an effort to conceal it.”

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said the school had been informed of the arrest.

“We are gathering information and (are) in contact with the proper authorities regarding the situation,” Pittman said in a statement. “Once we have additional information, we will make a determination on his status with our program.”

The 6-foot-6 Wallace, a three-star prospect, was ranked as the nation’s No. 43 player at his position by the 247Sports composite. He signed with the Razorbacks in December but has yet to enroll. He is a senior at Bryant High School, which won the Arkansas Class 7A state championship in 2019.

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