Man spends 51 days in jail, released when prosecutors don't file charges

PINE BLUFF, AR - "My life has been turned upside down and ruined because of a woman making false accusations," explained Anthony Welspom. He's describing the most terrifying experience of his life. It started in August when Pine Bluff police said he was suspected of rape, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.

Welspom says he first learned of the accusations because of a Fox16 newscast. Then he called Fox16, and asked for an interview where he said an ex-girlfriend made the story up.

"I'm innocent," Welspom said in August. "I was falsely accused for a gain that was personal and emotional. It had nothing to do with criminality or abuse."

Welspom turned himself in to authorities that day, but he had no idea what was about to happen.

As he explained Wednesday, "51 days is a lot of time in jail when you're innocent."

Welspom turned himself in on August 22nd. He stayed in jail until prosecutors declined to file charges against him nearly two months later, on October 11th.

"Justice is slow, but it's guaranteed to get a result," he said. "I had to do that in order to vindicate myself."

Welspom says he has no hard feelings when it comes to police or prosecutors, but he does want something done about the woman who accused him of rape, kidnapping, and assault. Otherwise, he fears the worst.

"Just like it happened to me, it's gonna happen to somebody else," said Welspom, "and I'll be back to channel 16 to say I told you so."

Welspom says he plans to take legal action against his accuser. He will not, however, seek any damages from Jefferson County authorities.