An Arkansas man accused of raping multiple children over several years had a sick justification: The Bible said it was OK, according to police.
Local handyman Thomas Stokes, 49, was busted Jan. 14 by Rector police and Clay and Greene County deputies on multiple felonies, including rape and drugging victims — and authorities soon learned of his twisted excuse.
A total of four victims came forward, each telling a similar vile tale, Rector Police Chief Kelly Baker told The Post.
Police said they began investigating Stokes on Jan. 3 when the first victim — who said they were “deathly afraid” of Stokes — reported being assaulted multiple times and pressured into using methamphetamine.
The victim told investigators Stokes claimed a certain chapter in the Bible “made it OK for him to have sex with them,” Baker said.
Assistant Chief Shain Casebier said he spoke with a second victim on Jan. 5 who stated Stokes had sexually abused them “many times” when they were 12 or 13 years old, the police chief confirmed.
On Jan. 6, a third victim said that Stokes had unprotected sex with them when they were 13 years old.
The same day, Casebier interviewed a fourth victim who said when they were 13, Stokes gave them Xanax then raped them while they were asleep.
Several witnesses corroborated the victims’ stories, Baker said.
Shortly after Stokes’ arrest, Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause and set bond at $1.5 million.
Rector’s top cop said that for him, Stokes’ arrest brought a long story to an end. Twenty years ago, he had approached one of the victims and asked that they make a police report — but the person, a child at the time, was terrified and refused.
Now, two decades later, they stepped forward and are one of the four persons who reported Stokes to police.
“Not a day went by when I didn’t think of that child,” Baker said. “Everyone in this town is like family to me. My men work hard to protect them.”
Stokes is presently in the Clay County Jail and barred from contacting any victims or witnesses. Should he be released from lockup, he will be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.