Salem, Ark. — A Fulton County man has been formally charged with two offenses, including residing in a restricted area as a registered sex offender and harassment, according to court documents filed July 22, 2025, in the Fulton County Circuit Court.
Joel Walter Griffith is facing the following charges filed by the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
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Count I: Registered Sex Offender Living in Prohibited Area
Authorities allege that Griffith, a registered sex offender assessed at Level 3 or Level 4, was knowingly residing within 2,000 feet of a restricted area, such as a public or private school, daycare, youth center, park, or church. The alleged offense occurred on July 15, 2025.
This charge is a Class D felony under Arkansas Code §5-14-128.
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Count II: Harassment
Griffith is also accused of following another person in a public place with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm, without good cause, on the same date.
This offense is a Class A misdemeanor under Arkansas Code §5-71-208.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Tim Weaver in the Fourth Division of the 16th Judicial District.
Griffith’s bond has been set at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on August 4, 2025.
