Tim’s Tavern owner Tim Steppach
UPDATE PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2024
A restaurant owner was initially arrested on January 25, 2024 and charged with two counts of Sexual Assault Fourth Degree. Benton Police Department investigated and ended up charging Tim Steppach, age 46, with more crimes. BNPD arranged with Steppach to turn himself in. He was taken into custody Wednesday morning without incident, according to a statement.
The Saline County detention Center record shows Steppach was booked at 02-28-2024, 10:57 am and released at 02-28-2024, 2:38 pm.
READ MORE BELOW
After Steppach’s initial arrest, victims provided additional information to BNPD investigators. Law enforcement then obtained an additional warrant for his arrest, based on the following charges:
• Rape – Class Y Felony;
• Residential Burglary – Class B Felony;
• False Imprisonment – Class A Misdemeanor;
• Interference with Emergency Communications – Class A Misdemeanor;
• Assault 3rd – Class C Misdemeanor;
• and an additional count of Sexual Assault Fourth Degree – Class A Misdemeanor.
According to a statement from BNPD, it was not additional victims that came forward since the first arrest, but the same victims came forward with additional information.
Read the previous arrest information and police report details below. The investigation remains ongoing. If you have additional information, contact Detective Wisenor at 501-776-5947.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW, PUBLISHED JAN 29, 2024
A Benton restaurant owner was arrested on Thursday, January 25, 2024, after a months-long investigation accusing him of sex crimes. The Benton Police Department was alerted to possible illegal activity with Timothy Steppach, age 46, of Benton, as the suspect.
On October 31, 2023, Benton PD began interviewing alleged victims (minors) and others associated with Tim’s Tavern, a barbecue restaurant on Edison Avenue in Benton.
The Facts
Two minor females, age 14 and 15, claim that Steppach touched them inappropriately, as well as spoke to them inappropriately about sex. See police report below.
After gathering information and working with the Arkansas State Police, the Benton PD charged Steppach with two counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. A charge of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree has been added. See charges defined below.
Steppach had a court date in Benton District Court on February 28, 2024.
Police Report
Police Report Narrative taken by the Benton Police Department: www.mysaline.com/tim-steppach-arrest-012524-report
Charges Defined
a. How Arkansas Law defines “Sexual Assault in the Second Degree” https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-2/chapter-14/subchapter-1/section-5-14-125/
b. How Arkansas Law defines “Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree” https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-2/chapter-14/subchapter-1/section-5-14-127/
Benton PD urges anyone with additional information regarding these incidents, or about related incidents with the suspect, call Detective Wisenor at 501-776-5947.
Watch MySaline for updates.
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