ROGERS (AR)
Baptist Press [Nashville TN]
August 20, 2026
By Laura Erlanson
A maintenance worker at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills in Rogers was arrested and charged with second degree sexual assault after an incident on church property.
According to court documents, Jason Barrowman, 57, was clearing equipment from a Conex container. Helping him was a minor, who was volunteering at the church over the summer.
The minor said while the two were alone in the container, Barrowman groped them in their private areas over their clothing. The minor immediately walked out and reported the incident to an adult, who called authorities.
The minor later told officers the incident was not the first of its kind. About two weeks prior, Barrowman had grabbed their buttocks and later that same week, had groped their thigh. The minor thought the earlier incidents could have been accidents or jokes. Upon the third encounter, however, the minor said, “That’s enough,” and made the report.
Barrowman denied all allegations of touching the juvenile in a sexual way, though he did not deny the second incident, saying “that probably happened” in a “get over here” or joking way.
A spokesperson for Cross Church, which has four campuses across northwest Arkansas, told Baptist Press Barrowman had been employed at the church about 10 months.
“Cross Church unequivocally condemns all forms of abuse,” said Brian Dunaway, Cross Church director of communications, in a statement. “We take every allegation seriously and are committed to supporting anyone who reports abuse. Upon receiving this information, Cross Church immediately contacted the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Rogers Police Department. The accused individual is no longer employed by Cross Church. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and the appropriate authorities throughout this investigation. Cross Church remains committed to fostering a safe environment for every person in our care.”
Barrowman is out of custody after posting a $75,000 bail. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline or call 833-611-HELP.
Laura Erlanson is managing editor of Baptist Press.