Local county commissioner indicted on sexual battery charge involving minor

BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — One local elected official is facing some jail time after being indicted on a charge of sexual battery of a minor.

Benton County Commissioner Stephen Stokes was indicted Tuesday. Stokes was indicted on one count of sexual battery with a minor. This indictment is related to an offense from 2022.

As of now, there have been no talks on whether or not Stokes will step down from his position.

Currently, Stokes serves as the district one county commissioner. Earlier this year, residents requested for his removal of office. There have been numerous reports of Stokes’ absences of office from December of 2023 until currently.

His bond is set at $100,000 and he has been requested to turn in his passport. He is not allowed to contact the victim.

Stokes is currently booked in the Benton County Jail.

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