Couple arrested

A man was arrested for domestic battering in connection with abuse of a minor and his wife was arrested for permitting the abuse.

Brian Lee Chadwell, 38, and Jennifer Renee Chadwell, 38, Pea Ridge, were arrested Wednesday, Oct. 3, as a result of an investigation into abuse of a 13-year-old girl.

Brian Chadwell was booked into the Benton County Jail at 7:21 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, in connection with third-degree domestic battering, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested again Monday, Oct. 8, by Bella Vista Police in connection with possession of drug paraphernalia - methamphetamine/cocaine and felony tampering with evidence.

Jennifer Chadwell was booked into the Benton County Jail at 6:33 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, in connection with permitting abuse of a minor, physical abuse; possession of a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia.

A 13-year-old girl told police she was struck with a plastic and metal spatula and then "put in the corner" and "grounded from her room," according to a Pea Ridge Police report. She was not allowed to return to her room and slept on the kitchen floor. According to police, a red area was visible on her back the next day after she was struck.

The youth was interviewed by a forensic interviewer at Children's Advocacy Center. The victim also stated she had been struck multiple times in the past. She stated she remembered specific instances when she was beat with a stick covered in thorns and with a wooden spoon. She stated the stick with thorns would leave whelps on her legs and the wooden spoon would leave bruises on her buttocks, according to the police report.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Chadwell told police about marijuana in the residence. As a result of a search of the residence, authorized by a search warrant, police found and seized marijuana, associated paraphernalia and two smoking devices with marijuana residue in them, accordin to the police report.