A Bald Knob man is behind bars accused of raping seven children. Deputies say the alleged crimes took place over the last five years.
It's at a home on East Union Street in Bald Knob where sheriff's deputies say Joseph Mulherin lived a secret life.
The suspect's neighbor Tashi Johnson says, "That is crazy. Like I don't even know what to say. I didn't even know about it."
Johnson and Megan Brown live across the street from the 20-year-old Mulherin. They've never met him but still say news about his alleged sexual involvement with children is a total shock.
Brown explains, "Living across from me? You know that's scary. I have a little nephew that is 3-years-old and what happens if he goes outside to play at the park one day?"
Deputies say Mulherin started physically abusing his victims back when he was a child himself, at age 15. Investigators know of at least seven alleged victims. Sheriff Ricky Shroud says all are relatives or neighborhood kids that range in age from three to seven.
"It makes you angry. It makes you sick," explains Shroud "You get a sick feeling, but then on the other hand, well here we are to help them; now it is our turn to take the ball and run with it and let's help these kids."
Mulherin's family did not want to go on camera but say they had no idea what was allegedly going on and that will be devastated if the allegations are true.
According to deputies though, Mulherin already confessed not only to the rape incidents but to having thousands of pictures and videos of child pornography on his computer.
Shroud says, "The day that investigators approached him he had a couple of kid's underwear in his pockets."
Deputies say it's a secret life that is now exposed and another predator off the street.
Deputies say they found out about Mulherin after he told a friend in an online chat room about what he had done. Detectives are not releasing where the alleged crimes happened.
Mulherin's family says his next court date is set for May. He is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
Sheriff's deputies say there may be more victims. If you have any information about this case, you're asked to call the White County Sheriff's Department at 501-279-6279. Callers will remain anonymous.
