Man accused of hosting underage drinking party, sexual assault | Crime

A Melbourne man is being held in lieu of $20,000 bond after investigators say he served alcohol to minors and then attempted to have sex with a boy who was passed out.

Kenneth Lee Ward, 47, was arrested Saturday at his home in the 300-block of Highway 69 Spur.

According to Izard County Sheriff Tate Lawrence, the arrest followed an investigation by his office and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Unit.

Ward is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home in September.  According to witnesses, Ward purchased the alcohol with money the kids gave him.  He also mixed the drinks, some of which were double shots, witnesses told investigators.

According to Sheriff Lawrence, at least one of the kids passed out and ended up on Ward’s bed with his shirt pulled up and his pants undone.  Witnesses told investigators they found Ward in bed with the boy.

Ward is charged with attempted sexual assault involving an underage male, a Class C felony.  He’s also charged with violation of the Arkansas social host law, a Class A misdemeanor.

He’s scheduled to appear in Izard County Circuit Court on November 8.