Smith
Melton
On Saturday Heather Smith, also known as Heather Boss and Jeni Melton, of Fort Smith were arrested for filing a false police report after an extensive rape investigation.
The rape suspects identified as Thomas Raymond McDaniel, 23, and Steven Neal, 30, both of Fort Smith, were arrested Saturday for the charges of rape. The Criminal Investigations Division responded and after a 12-hour investigation McDaniel and David were found not to have been involved in wrongdoing.
On Monday David, who was cleared of rape, called police after receiving numerous harassing phone calls, text messages, and Face Book postings from Ericka Lee Church, 39, of Sallisaw.
According to the Fort Smith Police press release, Church identified herself as Smith’s mother, and continuously accused him of rape. The communications with David were also threatening. A warrant has been issued for Church on charges of harassing communications. Church is facing a $2,500 bond.
False allegations
At about 4:41 a.m. Fort Smith Police responded to Roosters Bar at 801 Garrison in reference to a rape. Officers spoke with Smith and Melton who told police that earlier in the evening they were at Roosters Bar and left by taxicab around 3 a.m.
Shortly after they arrived home they reported David and McDaniel entered their residence uninvited.
Melton told police that one suspect grabbed her and pinned her to the floor. The second suspect is reported to have grabbed Smith and force her to a back bedroom.
Smith reported being forcibly raped by the suspect while in the bedroom. After an undetermined amount of time, both suspects left the residence.
Melton and Smith reported they were afraid to remain in their residence and left walking on North 6th Street. While walking they stopped a passing taxicab for help. When they entered the taxi, they found both suspects inside. They made the cabdriver stop at the corner of 8th and Garrison and called police.
After consulting with the cab company, it was determined that the suspects were dropped off at a residence located at 5220 S. h 24th St. Officers went to the address and looked in the front window and saw McDaniel and David asleep on a couch in the living room. Officers made entry and arrested both men.
After interviewing McDaniel and David and hearing several discrepancies, investigators re-interviewed Smith and Melton. Smith refused to give a statement or cooperate with the investigation. Melton cooperated with the investigation, and investigators determined Smith and Melton had given police false information.
Smith and Melton were arrested and charged with filing a false police report and both were booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center without bond.
