Suspect accused of rape, sodomy with child under 12

Published 10:35 pm Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Antonio Jarelle Harris was charged with first degree counts of rape and sodomy of a child Tuesday.

Antonio Jarelle Harris was charged with first degree counts of rape and sodomy of a child Tuesday.

Antonio Jarelle Harris, 24, was arrested Tuesday in the 1400 block of Washington Street on first degree counts of rape and sodomy. The victim was under the age of 12.

Leading up the Harris’ arrest, the Special Victims Unit of the Selma Police Department received a call from the Division of Human Resources in Florida concerning the welfare of children residing in the location where Harris lived. Harris was currently dating the aunt of the victim at the time of the allegations and his arrest.

Lt. Curtis Muhannad of the SPD said when detectives from the SVU made contact with the children at an undisclosed location; they conducted a welfare check, which yielded enough concern for Harris’ arrest. And after speaking with the victim at the police department, detectives located Harris and made a probable cause arrest.

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Harris is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail under a $500,000 bond for first-degree rape and a $500,000 bond for first-degree sodomy.

Muhannad said other details of the arrest, including whether or not Harris harassed other children in the home, are still under investigation.