Sheriff Lance Bonds states that on October 14, 2017, deputies met with a complainant in reference to injuries to his child. The Sheriff states that the complainant had picked his 4 year-old son from his mother's residence on Main St., at approximately 4:00pm. After picking the child up, the complainant noticed severe bruising on the child.  The child stated "Aaron hit me."  The complainant's ex-wife's boyfriend, is named Aaron Maricle.  After being told this, the complainant contacted law enforcement.

A joint investigation between the Stone County Sheriff's Department and the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division immediately began. After interviews were conducted with the victim, the mother of the child, Jenah Horning and her boyfriend, Aaron Maricle were also conducted.

In a non-custodial interview with Horning and Maricle, both admitted to spanking the child prior to the investigation. At one point, Maricle stated that he "may have struck him" harder than intended.

           On December 11, 2017, Investigator Brad Breeding with the Stone County Sheriff's Department prepared an affidavit for the arrest of Horning and Maricle. Prosecuting Attorney Holly Meyer formally charged Horning with "Permitting Abuse of a Minor", a Class D Felony.  Meyer also charged Maricle with "Second Degree Battery", also a Class D Felony.  Both are scheduled for Stone County Circuit Court on January 11, 2018.  Horning's bond is set at $10,000.00.  Maricle's bond is set at $15,000.00.