On Tuesday, April 13, a Searcy County man was arrested and charged with rape following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police.

  According to Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell, 55 year old Billie Bert Tyler, who resides on Trout Farm Road in Marshall, was arrested by Searcy County law enforcement officials on an arrest warrant issued by the Arkansas State Police.

According to the warrant, on or about January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012, Tyler engaged in sexual intercourse or a deviate sexual activity with another person who is less than 14 years of age.

  Tyler was transported to the Searcy County Detention Center where he was charged rape, Class Y felony. He was released on April 15 and is currently awaiting an appearance in the Searcy County Circuit Court.