Cheer Coach Arrested for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 7, 2013
A well-known central Arkansas cheer and gymnastics coach was arrested in Heber Springs for raping a 13-year-old girl.
Now, many in the community fear there could be other victims.
Police are being extremely tight-lipped about this case and are releasing few details.
But we now know more about this arrest through an affidavit obtained by KARK's Lauren Trager.
"I kinda knew it was going to happen. I mean we all kind of did," said Sasha Murphree.
With friends who've known him, Murphree says she wasn't shocked to learn 25-year-old Matthew Tinkle had been arrested last week for raping a 13-year-old girl.
"I've heard he's been with younger girls before, do it didn't come as a surprise to any of us. We were waiting for it to happen," Murphree said.
But she says the news is still disturbing.
"It's just disgusting because people and parents trust their children to be around him, all the time, everyday," she said.
Tinkle is the owner of a cheer and gymnastics facility in Heber Springs called Tink's Tumblers.
According to an affidavit obtained by KARK, the victim told investigators she was at the facility when Tinkle first inappropriately touched her.
Then, sometime before Christmas, she says Tinkle invited her over to his home to watch movies.
It was there, the victim told police, Tinkle raped her.
"We felt that the seriousness of the charge and the information we ha prompted us to move forward immediately," said prosecutor Holly Meyer
Meyer, like police, could say little about the case noting though, Tinkle is innocent until proven guilty.
"He's in the system. We want to make sure he gets treated fairly and goes through the process," Meyer said.
But as word of what's happened travels through Heber Springs, some say they've already made up their minds.
"That's sick, it's twisted and disgusting, this is wear I live," said Janova Willis who has a 15-year-old daughter
"You do something bad, you do a crime, you pay the time, that's the way I look at it too," said Willis.
Murphree says if there are other victims, she only hopes they come forward, so justice can be served.
"I hope he gets what he deserves," she said.
Prosecutor Meyer says she couldn't confirm if they are talking to any other victims, but she did say they were conducting even more interviews Monday.
Tinkle will have his day in court on the 22nd. Count on us to keep you updated.
Now, many in the community fear there could be other victims.
Police are being extremely tight-lipped about this case and are releasing few details.
But we now know more about this arrest through an affidavit obtained by KARK's Lauren Trager.
"I kinda knew it was going to happen. I mean we all kind of did," said Sasha Murphree.
With friends who've known him, Murphree says she wasn't shocked to learn 25-year-old Matthew Tinkle had been arrested last week for raping a 13-year-old girl.
"I've heard he's been with younger girls before, do it didn't come as a surprise to any of us. We were waiting for it to happen," Murphree said.
But she says the news is still disturbing.
"It's just disgusting because people and parents trust their children to be around him, all the time, everyday," she said.
Tinkle is the owner of a cheer and gymnastics facility in Heber Springs called Tink's Tumblers.
According to an affidavit obtained by KARK, the victim told investigators she was at the facility when Tinkle first inappropriately touched her.
Then, sometime before Christmas, she says Tinkle invited her over to his home to watch movies.
It was there, the victim told police, Tinkle raped her.
"We felt that the seriousness of the charge and the information we ha prompted us to move forward immediately," said prosecutor Holly Meyer
Meyer, like police, could say little about the case noting though, Tinkle is innocent until proven guilty.
"He's in the system. We want to make sure he gets treated fairly and goes through the process," Meyer said.
But as word of what's happened travels through Heber Springs, some say they've already made up their minds.
"That's sick, it's twisted and disgusting, this is wear I live," said Janova Willis who has a 15-year-old daughter
"You do something bad, you do a crime, you pay the time, that's the way I look at it too," said Willis.
Murphree says if there are other victims, she only hopes they come forward, so justice can be served.
"I hope he gets what he deserves," she said.
Prosecutor Meyer says she couldn't confirm if they are talking to any other victims, but she did say they were conducting even more interviews Monday.
Tinkle will have his day in court on the 22nd. Count on us to keep you updated.
Comments
So sad you people would post false statements that a 13 year old made up for attention. Should be ashamed of yourself
Amber A.
January 19, 2013 at 8:15 pm
