A Russellville couple already facing multiple charges in connection with the abuse of their 7-year-old son is now accused of fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits.
Christopher Freeman, 39, and Katelyn Freeman, 27, were charged Feb. 27 in Pope County with unlawfully obtaining more than $20,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between January 2022 and July 2025.
According to court records, the couple allegedly failed to report additional liquid assets that placed them over the program’s $2,250 resource limit, allowing them to receive $20,822 in benefits they were not entitled to.
Investigators say Christopher Freeman submitted a SNAP semi-annual report in April 2022 listing limited household resources, including two vehicles and a Bank of OZK checking account. Katelyn Freeman later signed multiple SNAP applications and renewal forms between October 2022 and February 2025 reporting similar assets.
Authorities allege the couple did not disclose additional cash on hand that exceeded the allowable resource limit.
The Freemans are also facing separate charges including attempted capital murder, first-degree battery, endangering the welfare of a minor, kidnapping and tampering with evidence in connection with the alleged abuse of their son.
Police say the child was hospitalized last summer in critical condition weighing just 28 pounds after years of severe malnutrition. Investigators reported finding a closet in the home that had been converted into a confinement space where the boy had allegedly been tied with rope.
Authorities said the couple admitted to locking the child in the closet and avoiding medical care out of fear of repercussions. Officers also reported finding ample food and several thousand dollars in cash inside the home during the investigation.
Police said two other children in the home also showed signs of malnourishment.
A third pretrial hearing in the abuse case is scheduled for April 27. As of March 7, both Christopher and Katelyn Freeman remained in the Pope County Detention Center on $100,000 bonds.
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