By Frank Lewis
A Portsmouth resident has been arrested in Arkansas in connection of a charge of attempted rape after traveling there to reportedly attempt to have sex with children. Fort Smith Police identified the man they took into custody as Antoine Lebeaux Michael, 42, of Portsmouth.
Sergeant Daniel Grubbs told the Daily Times that on July 20 a detective with the Fort Smith Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an online investigation into possible deviant sexual activity involving a minor, after making contact with an adult male online.
Fort Smith records show the investigation started after Michael reportedly indicated to the undercover detective that he was interested in having sex with a juvenile male and juvenile female, both under the age of 13.
The official report says Michael agreed to travel from out of state to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and meet with the children for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with them. On Monday, Aug. 10 detectives with the Street Crimes Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit and Special Investigations Unit, working in conjunction with the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, arrested Michael in a local coffee shop and charged him with two counts of attempted rape.
He is currently being held at the Sebastian County Detention Center without bond.
Scioto County Common Pleas Court records show no previous activity involving Michael.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
