The foreclosure case against the owner of Tim’s Tavern has progressed, with court records showing all defendants have now been formally served with the lawsuit. For the defendants, it’s a race against the clock to sell the property or otherwise pay it off. Read more below. Steppach was arrested Jan. 25, 2024, and later charged […]
Abuse victim, now 17, tells some of her testimony against Tim’s Tavern owner
UPDATE DEC 9, 2025 (afternoon) One of the victims in the State of Arkansas vs Tim Steppach case has come forward to tell some of her story. Now that Steppach has been convicted of 3 counts of “Endangerment of the Welfare of a Minor in the 2nd Degree,” Alexy Torres, tells some of her testimony. […]
Dept of Labor files injunction on Benton restaurant for age violations, worker retaliation
The owner of a Benton tavern and restaurant has agreed to comply with a preliminary injunction obtained by the U.S. Department of Labor to stop the employer from violating federal regulations. The action comes amid allegations that Tim’s Tavern and owner Tim Steppach failed to pay minimum and overtime wages as required, kept workers’ tips, […]
Benton restaurant owner in jail again after more sex charges surface
UPDATE FEB 28, 2024 A restaurant owner was initially arrested on January 25, 2024 and charged with two counts of Sexual Assault Fourth Degree. Benton Police Department investigated the case and ended up charging Tim Steppach, then age 46, with more crimes. BNPD arranged with Steppach to turn himself in. He was taken into custody […]
One juvenile dies, two critically injured, in Saline County vehicle wreck
One juvenile is dead from a vehicle accident and two more are critically injured after a vehicle accident on Tuesday in Saline County. According to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), on March 23, 2021, at approximately 1:04 a.m., deputies answered a call in the area of Chicot Road and White Oak […]
BNPD Investigating Sexual Misconduct Allegations at Childcare Facility
The Benton Police Department recently began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct at Childcare Network, Inc. on Military Road. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. BNPD detectives are diligently working leads and request anyone with information to please contact BNPD at 501-776-5947. Tips may also be called in at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS, […]
21 Passed; 6 Failed Test for Selling Alcohol to Minors
Six businesses in Saline County were recently cited for alcohol violations following undercover compliance checks. Officers with the Benton Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alcoholic Beverage Control division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration conducted the undercover compliance checks. These operations were carried out with undercover […]