Youth Worker in Saline County Accused of Numerous Counts of Rape

A Haskell man who works with children is in jail on rape, sexual assault, and child pornography charges. The Saline County Sheriff`s Department started its investigation into 40-year old Carl Collins Wednesday, October 6. The sheriff says that is when one alleged victim came to them and reported Collins. Soon after getting search and seizure warrants, they arreste him at his home in Haskell. He`s charged with 8 counts of rape, 8 counts of sexual assault, 200 counts of child pornography, and a drug charge. Police found marijuana in his home, and say it looked as if he had intent to deliver. Collins is a volunteer co-leader with the Haskell 4-H Group. Authorities say the eight alleged victims are students in the Harmony Grove School District. Saline County Sheriff Phil Mask, and Prosecuting Attorney Robert Herzfeld say the children are all boys, ages 10 to 14 years old. The investigators say they could not give many specifics on the incidents, but did say the case could not be more serious unless death was involved. Some parents in Haskell say it reminds them to be more involved in their children`s lives. "But it`s not nearly as difficult as what many of the victims and their families are going through, not only now but for the rest of their lives," said Sheriff Phil Mask. "[It`s important in] making sure they know that is their personal space to respect themselves and to know that this is no ok," said Deanne Redman, who has three children in Harmony Grove Schools. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service runs the 4-H Clubs and says in a statement that it has "no information to suggest that any of the youth in the Haskell 4-H group are, in any manner, associated with the allegations being made against Mr. Collins," the group says before volunteers are hired, they "conduct a criminal background check." They say a check on Collins in October of 2003 found nothing. The service says it hasn`t been contacted by law enforcement yet. Meanwhile, they have removed Collins as co-leader of the Haskell 4-H during the investigation. Collins is in the Saline County Jail, with bond set at $100,000. The sheriff says the investigation is continuing because they believe there are more victims, perhaps dating back to 1995. The department is asking any other victims to come forward.