The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing four-year-old girl from a residence near Grange Road on Thursday. Deputies, along with multiple assisting agencies including local fire departments, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Department of Corrections, initiated a coordinated search effort.
During the investigation, Sharp County investigators learned from the child’s mother, Cierra Maple, that the girl may have been dropped off with family in Pfeiffer the previous evening. Sheriff Shane Russell contacted Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stevens, who dispatched deputies to verify the lead.
The child was located safe with relatives in Independence County and had been in their care since Wednesday evening.
Following the investigation, both Maple and the child’s stepfather, Zachary Roberts, were arrested and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
Sheriff Shane Russell extended his gratitude to all involved agencies and community members for their swift and effective response, emphasizing that “the safety and wellbeing of our citizens – especially our children – will always remain the highest priority for the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office.”
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