SHARP COUNTY, Ark (KATV) — The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has arrested two parents for endangering the welfare of a minor.
On July 3, SCSO responded to a report of a missing child from a residence on Grange Road. The report involved a 4-year-old girl whose whereabouts were initially unknown.
Deputies from SCSO, along with volunteer fire departments, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Arkansas Department of Corrections, responded to launch an immediate search.
During the investigation, Captain G. Stewart, Lt. B. Trivitt, and Lt. Cham Buchanan developed information from the child’s mother, Cierra Maple, indicating she possibly could have dropped the child off with a family member in Pfeiffer the evening before. SCSO Sheriff Shane Russell shared information with Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stevens, whose department followed up on the lead.
Independence County Sheriff’s Deputies located the child with family members, who confirmed she was in their care since the evening of July 2.
The investigation resulted in Maple’s arrest and the child’s stepfather, Zachary Roberts, who were both charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all assisting agencies and community members who responded so quickly and effectively,” Russell said. “The safety and well-being of our citizens—especially our children—will always remain the highest priority for the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office.”
KATV will update the story with more information as it becomes available.
