YELLVILLE, Ark. — A Yellville man has been arrested on multiple felony charges following a sexual abuse investigation involving a minor.
According to Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander, Rickie Ed Heinen, 51, was arrested on one count of rape, a Class Y felony, and 48 counts of second-degree sexual assault, each a Class D felony.
The investigation began on June 27, when a Marion County deputy responded to a verbal domestic dispute at a residence on Marion County Road 8096. During the response, a minor female disclosed to the deputy that she had been involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with Heinen, who was identified as her mother’s fiancé.
Later that same day, the victim was taken to Grandma’s House Child Advocacy Center in Mountain Home for a forensic interview. There, she provided further details regarding the abuse.
On August 4, investigators interviewed Heinen. During that interview, he reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting the victim three to four times per week over the past year, though he denied having sexual intercourse.
Heinen was booked into the Marion County Detention Center, with bond set at $75,000.
Sheriff Alexander stated the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests may follow.
