By Ray King
A $500,000 cash only bond was set Monday for a Jefferson County man accused of attempting to rape a store clerk Friday night.
Pine Bluff District Judge John Kearney set the bond after ruling prosecutors have probable cause to charge Sherman Johnson, 28, with attempted rape and aggravated assault. Johnson is currently on probation in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
According to an affidavit from Sheriff’s Investigator Sgt. Clayton Cantrell, deputies were notified by an Arkansas State Trooper of the incident that occurred at J&B Liquor at 8423 Highway 63 south at 7:37 a.m.
Deputy Prosecutor Ty Spradlin explained the incident.
Spradlin said at one point the victim hit Johnson with a bottle while they were struggling and put something in her mouth as she was screaming for help.
The struggle lasted about 9 minutes and Johnson exited the building.
The court hearing was held without Johnson, who refused to come out of his cell. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and told to come back to court Feb. 20.
