An Arkansas couple faces felony charges after authorities said a former co-worker was lured to a park and robbed.
Jordan Robbins, 23, was arrested March 12 on suspicion of robbery, theft of property and third-degree battery as an accomplice. Hugh Stiles is charged with robbery, theft of property, third-degree battery and tampering with evidence. Both are being held in the Independence County Detention Center awaiting arraignment.
According to court documents, the victim reported the incident to the Batesville Police Department around 12:30 a.m. March 4. The victim told investigators Robbins, a former co-worker, drove him to Bayou Park in Batesville for what he believed would be a sexual encounter.
While the victim was sitting in the vehicle, a person dressed in black allegedly pulled him from the car, punched and kicked him and stole his cellphone and prescription glasses. Investigators reported the victim had visible injuries, including scratches to his face, forehead and back and a swollen jaw.
Authorities later tracked Robbins’ vehicle using license plate reader cameras. During an interview, Robbins acknowledged driving the victim to the park but told investigators she fled after someone pulled him from the car.
Police said Robbins resisted when investigators attempted to seize her phone during the investigation, resulting in an injury to an investigator.
Detectives later searched a room at the Economy Inn where Stiles was staying and reported finding clothing matching the victim’s description of the attacker. Surveillance video also showed Robbins and Stiles leaving the motel together the night of March 3 and returning about 40 minutes later.
Investigators said a forensic review of Stiles’ phone revealed messages referencing plans to financially exploit the victim. Authorities also noted the victim had received his paycheck earlier that day, which detectives said Robbins and Stiles would have known.
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