Smithville Man Charged with Rape of a Minor

On February 19, 2013 the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Lovelady (49) of Smithville on charges of Rape. The arrest came after a call to the Crimes Against Children Division of the Arkansas State Police about an allegation of sexual contact with a 10 year old female by Lovelady. The young girl was interviewed and disclosed the information to the investigators. Investigators contacted Lovelady and asked him to come to the Sheriff’s Office. At the Sheriff’s Office, Lovelady was mirandized and questioned about the incident. After a short period of questioning Lovelady admitted to the sexual contact. Lovelady was placed under arrest and walked down to the Jail to await a bond hearing.