JERRIED HARDIN

A Franklin Horseshoe Bend man is setting in the Izard County Detention Facility in lieu of a $50,000 cash bond following the charge of rape. Jerried Lee Hardin, age 33 is accused of forcible rape with the victim being his estranged   and soon to be ex-wife. According to the investigation, the pair have not lived together for the past several months and that Hardin entered the victim’s home around 3:00 a.m. while the victim was sleeping. Witnesses put Hardin at the victim’s house and in her bed room during this time frame and on the July date that the crime is alleged to have occurred. Sheriff Tate Lawrence said the victim’s previous residence burned a few months ago and arson is suspected. Hardin is a person of extreme interest in the house fire investigation. More recently, on August 2, Hardin was arrested on a harassment warrant relating to the victim where she was chased in a vehicle at excessive speeds. Hardin is also charged with violating an order of protection. Hardin’s first court appearance is scheduled for August 26. Rape is a class “y” felony punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison.

News Release, For Immediate Release, August 7, 2015, POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence, 8703684203

Note: Picture of Hardin provided