Paragould man accused of raping child

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) – A 31-year-old Paragould man is behind bars after he was accused of having sex with a child.

Randy Gatlin was arrested on Thursday, March 9, according to online rosters.

An affidavit said in March 2023, the Paragould Police Department received a complaint about an alleged inappropriate relationship between Gatlin and the victim.

A search of Gatlin’s home during his arrest revealed a shotgun located next to his bed. The affidavit noted he is a convicted felon and it was illegal for him to have a gun under state law.

According to police, Gatlin made several incriminating statements during an interview with detectives.

On Friday, March 10, a judge found probable cause to charge Gatlin with rape, computer exploitation of a child, sex solicitation/indecency of a child, and possession of a firearm by certain persons.

Gatlin is being held without bond at the Greene County Detention Center.