Bentonville, Ark. — A Bentonville man arrested in November 2024 for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor he had babysat nearly a decade ago has pleaded not guilty to the charges, court records reveal.
Justin John Sellers, 33, was taken into custody on November 5, 2024, on two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of sexual indecency with a child.
Sellers, who is currently on probation for a previous sexual assault conviction, is being held at the Benton County Detention Center on a $650,000 bond.
According to court documents, Sellers’ arrest follows a report made to the Arkansas State Child Abuse Hotline on October 18, 2024. The report revealed that Sellers had confessed to a probation officer about sexually assaulting a five-year-old child while babysitting the victim approximately 10 years ago.
The victim, now 15, and her parent later visited the Child and Family Advocacy Center, where the victim recounted two separate incidents of inappropriate touching during the time Sellers was entrusted with her care.
Investigators were initially in contact with Sellers, but he eventually stopped responding to their calls, the probable cause affidavit states. In his conversation with the probation officer, Sellers allegedly admitted to having six previous victims, though authorities have not identified two of them.
His criminal history includes a 2019 arrest for third-degree domestic battery and a 2022 conviction for second-degree sexual assault. Sellers has also been arrested twice for driving while intoxicated.
The court has scheduled an omnibus hearing for April 15, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the Benton County Courthouse. Sellers is expected to appear at the hearing, where his legal team will have an opportunity to present arguments and evidence in his defense.
The case continues to unfold, with law enforcement urging anyone with further information about Sellers to come forward.
As the legal process moves forward, the Benton County community remains on edge, awaiting further developments in this disturbing case.
Authorities are focused on ensuring justice is served for the victims and bringing clarity to the serious allegations against Sellers.