09-05-2025
Bella Vista man arrested for alleged child sexual abuse material on phone
BELLA VISTA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Bella Vista man was arrested after authorities allegedly recovered child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his phone, according to court documents.
Jacob Barnes, 45, was arrested on May 1 for five counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials, three counts of producing a sexual performance by a child, three counts of video voyeurism and one count of aggravated assault.
A probable cause affidavit said that on April 27, an officer with the Bella Vista Police Department spoke with a woman regarding a child sexual abuse material (CSAM) case.
The woman said her husband had videos on his phone of her and her children showering. She said she found the alleged CSAM while accessing Barnes' phone to transfer bail money.
Using his passcode, she discovered them in a locked album along with previously deleted photos of herself, according to a probable cause affidavit.
She said when she confronted him during the drive from jail, Barnes admitted to having them but gave no explanation. He then allegedly became agitated, grabbed the steering wheel, forced the car off the road, and said, 'I'm not going back to jail' before fleeing on foot.
Former Arkansas Arts Academy teacher pleads not guilty to child sex crimes in Benton County
The woman said she secured her home, then reported the incident to police, showing them a driving app confirming the swerve. She later provided authorities with a recorded call where Barnes allegedly made suicidal statements during this interaction.
A detective obtained a warrant for Barnes' phone. The woman also reported a small hole in the bathroom wall, with the potential to be used as a peephole, which was documented by investigators.
Compromising images from earlier in 2024 were also allegedly recovered from Barnes' phone, some of which had been deleted from her device.
Barnes has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims.
Barnes' criminal history, beginning in 2001, includes multiple felony charges such as theft by receiving, possession and delivery of controlled substances, residential burglary and forgery, according to court documents. He also has prior arrests for assault, disorderly conduct, probation violations and failing to appear in court.
Additional offenses include breaking or entering, criminal contempt, providing false registration and resisting police.
Barnes is being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $650,000 bond and is set to appear in court on May 22.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
