Jonesboro, Arkansas – A 23-year-old Jonesboro man is facing serious felony charges after investigators say two young children were repeatedly injured over a period of time, prompting a police response that unfolded into a wide-ranging child welfare investigation.
According to court documents, Jonesboro police officers were called on Jan. 26, 2026, to check on the well-being of a child after concerns were raised about visible injuries. When officers arrived, they observed extensive bruising on one of the children. Several adults present initially told police they had no knowledge of how the injuries occurred, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
As officers continued their investigation, the children’s mother later spoke with police and described troubling circumstances involving both of her children. She told officers her nearly 2-year-old daughter had two black eyes and bruising across her body. She also raised concerns about a possible sexual assault involving her 7-year-old son, though she had not previously reported those suspicions, the affidavit stated.
Given the severity of the situation, officers transported the toddler to a local hospital for evaluation. They later made contact with the 7-year-old boy at another residence. Medical staff examined both children before arranging for them to be transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further care and assessment.
Doctors at Arkansas Children’s Hospital determined that the toddler showed no signs of sexual assault. However, medical professionals noted injuries that raised red flags. A physician told investigators that the bruising observed on the child was unlikely to have been caused by a young sibling, according to the affidavit.
The 7-year-old boy was also examined and found to have multiple injuries across his body. Investigators documented the injuries through photographs, which were later included as evidence in the case. Medical staff then coordinated with law enforcement and child protection officials as the investigation continued.
As part of the inquiry, the boy was interviewed by investigators with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division in Little Rock. During that interview, the child identified his mother and her boyfriend as being responsible for the injuries. He told investigators, “that his mom and her boyfriend Trey Harper caused all the injuries to him.”
According to detectives, the boy described being punched multiple times and said similar violence was directed at his sister. Investigators noted that the injuries observed during medical exams were consistent with the account provided by the child. The affidavit also states that the boy reported both adults used a belt during beatings.
Following the interviews and review of medical findings, police sought an arrest warrant for Trey Michael Harper. He was taken into custody on Jan. 28, two days after the initial welfare call that brought officers to the home.
The case was presented to Craighead County District Judge David Boling, who reviewed the evidence and determined there was probable cause to move forward with charges. Harper has been charged with second degree domestic battery, a Class C felony under Arkansas law.
Judge Boling ordered Harper to be held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond. Court records show Harper is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 27, where he will formally hear the charges against him and enter a plea.
Authorities have not released additional details about the ongoing status of the children, citing privacy concerns. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including local police, state investigators, medical professionals, and child advocacy specialists.
Officials emphasized that cases involving alleged abuse often begin with welfare checks and rely heavily on cooperation between law enforcement and healthcare providers. The case remains active as it proceeds through the court system.
