Latest news with #BentonCounty
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Monster couple's heinous acts against young girl who they fed just one Pop-Tart a week while keeping her prisoner
An Arkansas couple allegedly subjected a young teenage girl to years of sexual assault, starvation, physical violence, and forced drug use - all while threatening to kill her if she ever spoke out. Daniel Ray Caler, 34, and his wife Annie Claire Caler, 28, of Rogers, Arkansas were arrested on May 9 after the alleged teenage victim made a chilling revelation to her school counselor. The girl revealed how she had been raped repeatedly by Daniel Caler over the course of three years, beginning in August 2020, at multiple homes across Benton and Washington counties. Her harrowing account exposes a calculated and prolonged pattern of cruelty, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Bentonville Police Department. The girl, whose identity and age remain undisclosed for privacy, said she survived on just one Pop-Tart and a glass of water per week, and was forced to sleep in a bathtub, without a pillow or blanket because she did not have her own bedroom. When she broke her leg, Daniel and Annie Caler allegedly refused to take her to the hospital, leaving her to heal without medical care. The alleged abuse began in 2020 and continued until March 2023, when the final sexual assault occurred. It was not clear how the victim was related to the suspects. She told police that Daniel raped her in at least four different locations. In several of those instances, she screamed 'no' and begged him to stop. Annie Caler allegedly witnessed at least two of the assaults - once walking in on an attack and being told by Daniel to 'get out,' while another time, after hearing the girl's screams, pulling her from the living room of the home and fleeing outside with her. 'I will kill her if she tells anyone,' Daniel is alleged to have said to Annie after the rape incident, per the affidavit seen by 5News. But her intervention did not mark the end of the nightmare. According to the report, Annie had previously ignored other instances and even took part in the broader abuse, leaving her just as culpable in the eyes of the law. The girl also described being beaten, stabbed in the neck with a fork, and told by Annie: 'I hope you die.' The stabbing, she said, came after she failed to do the dishes 'correctly.' There was physical abuse too which saw the victim being pushed into walls, being punched and kicked. If the sexual and physical abuse weren't horrific enough, investigators say the Calers also exposed the victim to a cocktail of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and others. The girl told officers she repeatedly said she didn't want to try the drugs, but Annie "forced her to snort the drugs at least four times." The couple, who used to both work as corrections officers, also allegedly made her participate in drug deals, using her to deliver drugs to other users. The girl told authorities that fear had kept her silent. After witnessing Daniel's threats to Annie - including a moment when he allegedly told her he would 'kill her' if she said anything - the girl internalized her terror. "This statement made by Daniel scared [the victim] and this is why she never told anyone what was happening to her until now," the document states. But eventually, the guilt and trauma became too much to bear. In April 2025, she confided in a school counselor, who immediately involved a school resource officer, setting the wheels of justice in motion. 'I couldn't live with the guilt anymore. I thought it was my fault. But now I know I'm safe and have people who will protect me,' the girl explained. Police swiftly obtained arrest warrants for both Daniel and Annie Caler. Both were taken into custody and booked into the Benton County Detention Center, where they are being held on bonds of $750,000 and $500,000, respectively. Both have been assigned public defenders and are due in court next month. Daniel Caler faces a staggering list of charges, including rape, sexual assault, permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Annie has also been charged with permitting child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, but faces additional charges of battery, terroristic threats and introduction of a controlled substance into another body, according to the records. Authorities have not confirmed the nature of the couple's relationship to the victim, nor why the abuse went undetected for so long. But community members and advocates are demanding answers - and accountability. The girl also saw Daniel make threats to Annie - including a moment when he allegedly told her he would 'kill her' if she said anything The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile abuse cases in recent years, but few are as gruesome and depraved in detail. The victim's statement, calm, articulate, and emotionally gut-wrenching, has become the backbone of the investigation. The Arkansas Department of Human Services has not yet commented on whether the girl had prior involvement with the child welfare system, but multiple agencies are now reviewing the case. The Bentonville Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and has urged anyone with further information to come forward.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Cops arrest woman who used latino dating app to lure man in before robbing and shooting him
Two Oregon women are facing serious charges after allegedly using a dating app to lure a man into a robbery that ended in a violent shooting, according to the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Julia Dell Yepez and Alexa Montano Corral, both 20, were arrested days apart following an investigation into the May 17 incident in Corvallis. Authorities say the women connected with the victim through Chispa, a dating app geared toward Latino and Latina singles, and arranged to meet him under false pretenses. Instead of a romantic encounter, the meeting turned into a planned setup. Deputies believe the pair intended to rob the man, but the situation escalated and the victim was shot. The incident unfolded around 5:30 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 99W and Lakeside Drive. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses described seeing two Hispanic women fleeing the area on foot. One of them was reportedly wearing a long-sleeve black shirt, which helped authorities later identify one of the suspects. Following the investigation, Yepez was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, kidnapping, and additional charges. She is currently being held at the Benton County Jail with her bail set at $300,000, according to court records. Corral was taken into custody on Thursday and is facing several conspiracy charges in connection to the scheme. Her bail has been set at $250,000. Investigators have also tied both women to similar alleged criminal activity in a nearby county, although specific details about those incidents have not been publicly released. In a statement, the Benton County Sheriff's Office issued a warning to anyone using dating platforms, especially those that involve meeting in person. 'Always meet in public and never isolate yourself until you are certain of the other person's intentions,' the statement read. 'Trust your instincts, share your plans with a friend or family member, and take steps to stay safe.' The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released the name of the victim, citing privacy and safety concerns.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voters, demand answers to critical questions from Tri-Cities candidates
2025 is a local election year. Dozens of races will appear on the Aug. 5 primary and the Nov. 4 general election ballots. The results will shape the future of the Tri-Cities for years to come. As candidates campaign in the months ahead, voters should demand answers to critical questions. Local races for city councils, county commissions, school boards and other governing bodies differ from big state and federal races. These are nonpartisan races, and the candidates are neighbors who want to serve their community. At a minimum, they deserve thanks for stepping up to do a job that can deliver more heartburn than peaceful nights. Things can get bad. Local officials increasingly receive threats and harassment, leading to burnout, resignations and retirements. Voters therefore should look for candidates who possess the emotional and mental fortitude, not to mention the personal support network, to excel under such challenging circumstances. The unfortunate reality is that the general distaste for politics that pervades American culture dissuades people from running. Too many races — dozens of them — are uncontested. No candidate — incumbent or otherwise — deserves a free pass. Benton and Franklin Counties are among the fastest growing in the state, and could have 400,000 residents by 2040. Voters must ask candidates how they balance the need for growth and economic development with paying for services. Should projects in Richland's Targeted Urban Area or at the Port of Kennewick receive millions in tax breaks now that will reduce future tax revenue? Likewise, how will elected leaders ensure that growth enhances livability for all and that the Tri-Cities are prepared to house and employ those future residents? Growth affects more than just city and county governments. School districts must adapt to changing demographics and funding – more or fewer students; more from low-income families or who speak English as a second language. How will elected school board members ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve while school finances are in flux? State funding is unpredictable lately, and federal support that increased during the pandemic has returned to normal. Some school districts overextended spending on recurring costs with those one-time dollars and now face deficits that taxpayers are reluctant to cover. Debates over curriculum, religion and culture war issues have flared up locally. Voters should consider which candidates will seek to inject more controversy and more politics into schools and which will tamp down those flames. Remember, most local offices are nonpartisan. Voters should ask candidates if they will act like it. Deciding whether to fill a pothole should not rely on being a Democrat or Republican. Every local governing body relies on support from Olympia, whether it be financial or policy. How will candidates work with state lawmakers to advance the needs of the Tri-Cities? Can conservative local candidates temper their politics enough to find compromise with Democrats who control the state capital? Internecine battles within Franklin County government illustrate how badly things can go when voters prioritize partisan agendas over temperament. County commissioners, the sheriff and the auditor have let governance devolve into grudge matches, turf wars and legal investigations. Paying for lawyers and jail takeovers is a poor way to manage the public's tax dollars. Unlike statewide and federal elections, in a local election, voters have opportunities to engage directly with candidates. The people who run for school board, city council, county commission or any other local office are neighbors. Voters can run into them at the grocery store, a local meeting, a candidate forum or just walking the dog. Candidates might go door-to-door and be ready to chat for a few minutes. Take advantage of those encounters. There are a host of local issues that need strong leadership from residents who want to do right by their community and put in the necessary work. If the Tri-Cities want better governance, the people must demand it, not just passively accept it or, worse, be apathetic when they don't get it.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Love of teaching, family left behind by Benton Central tennis coach Jim Pilarski
OXFORD ― Benton Central girls tennis coach Jim Pilarski was known for his dry sense of humor and turn of phrase whenever one of his players seemed to find themselves in a slump. Even in the dead of winter, Pilarski somehow found sunshine in his life and was known for sporting a reoccurring red tone on his face and neck while bringing his passion of tennis to the center of sports activity in Benton County. Advertisement "We all definitely miss him a lot," Benton Central sophomore Violet Hardebeck said. "He always believed in us and pushed us to be our best." Pilarski left behind a program that has been processing the loss of their beloved friend. More: 'A great person all around.' Former Covington tennis coach remembered ahead of sectionals Benton Central assistant coach and Schwartz Tennis Center pro Nick Nassos was with Pilarski, playing tennis before his sudden death on Feb. 23. The two men were playing tennis at Benton Central before a case of pneumonia put Pilarski in the hospital. He died three days later at the age of 80, leaving the 23-year-old Nassos as head of the program he helped build. Benton Central girls tennis coach Jim Pilarski (right) stands with his daughter Jamelyn Pilarski Buchanan (left). Nassos and Pilarski bonded over sports, including their love for the Chicago Cubs. In those conversations came lessons on coaching and how to care for students. Advertisement "He taught me that coaching could be more fun than playing honestly," Nassos said. "I already gave tennis lessons, but I never coached a team before. And when you see (players) do something you've worked on in practice for so long and they just didn't get it and then they get it in a match, that's a really cool thing." Pilarski helped Benton Central win the IHSAA sectional championship in 2023 and created an atmosphere of inclusion for both boys and girls players. Sophomore Emma Hines was a softball player growing up before she traded her glove and bat for a tennis racket in the eighth grade because of Pilarski. More: Girls tennis sectional draw for Lafayette-area teams: Tuesday matches moved to Purdue Violet Hardebeck remembers the fresh attire and confidence Pilarski exhibited on match day. Advertisement "He had a nice tan going on always and had this green polo he'd always wear to every single match ― it was a BC tennis polo," Violet's sister, senior Avery Hardebeck, said. "He had a distinct look about himself and he always wore a bucket hat when it was sunny." A missed grandfather and coach The memories of Pilarski will carry on through his family, including his grandsons Luke and Blake Buchanan. Pilarski became Luke's tennis coach when he took Benton Central over in 2017 after living in Fort Wayne. "I was a cross country runner but decided to hang it up and start doing tennis," Luke Buchanan said. "He pretty much moved for us and he made a pretty good impact with the community." Advertisement Blake is finishing his sophomore year and became was one of the Bison's star players upon his passing. "He just had an impact on how kind he was, wanted to help everyone out," Blake Buchanan said. "I miss seeing him all the time. We hung out a lot and would go golfing with him in the summer. He taught me that hard work always prevails." Benton Central girls tennis coach Jim Pilarski (left) holds the 2023 IHSAA sectional title trophy with 2024 graduate Rachel Tolen. Benton Central lost 4-1 against Lafayette Jeff in Tuesday's IHSAA sectional opener, snake bitten by bad luck with Avery Hardebeck unable to compete after severely injuring her ankle while warming up to play against Rossville last week. Pilarski's players are convinced he would've found the silver lining despite the unfortunate woes that ended the season. Advertisement More: Lafayette Jeff's Sydney North goes from the balance beam to the baseline "He taught us to never get in your head," Violet Hardebeck said. "Tennis is such a mental sport and he'd say to not let any of it get in our head and to stay positive." Nassos plans to build a hitting wall in honor of Pilarski so his players could have an opportunity to train more. "It's been really tough, but I feel like I've done a good job teaching the things he believes in," Nassos said. "All the girls respected him, they are playing for him, and you can see them doing things he taught them." Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@ on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson . This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Benton Central coach Jim Pilarski loved teaching, family
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
PHOTOS: Storm damage in Northwest Arkansas
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Severe storms on May 18 left significant damages in some parts of Northwest Arkansas. 'Team members have already cleared 22 trees from 4 roads and 5 properties in Goshen and Fayetteville tonight,' a spokesperson with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) said in a statement. 'These efforts will continue tomorrow (May 19) as well.' To either assist with clean-up, or to request help, Northwest Arkansas residents can call SDIA at 417-812-6035. WATCH: Hail, severe weather in Northwest Arkansas City of Siloam Springs crews are working to clean up storm damage and restore power across the area, according to a Facebook post. Residents are asked to stay home for their safety and to avoid interfering with recovery efforts. Brashears Road between N. Lincoln and Country Club Road is closed due to multiple snapped power poles and is unsafe for travel. Power is expected to be fully restored within two to three hours, as of 8:45 p.m. on May 18. 'Old Hwy 68 is closed on either end due to down power lines and trees. The only access routes to Old Hwy 68 are from Robinson Road off Hwy 412 or from Logan Road. Please refer to the Benton County Unincorporated Road Closures map to view where the closures are located,' a Benton County spokesperson said in a best way to stay updated when there's a severe weather threat is to download YOUR Weather Authority App. Click Here to Download our Weather Authority app Follow YOUR Weather Authority Team: On X, formerly known as Twitter: Dan Skoff Zach Gilday Josh Rugger Peyton Langford On Facebook: Meteorologist Dan Skoff Meteorologist Zach Gilday Josh Rugger Meteorologist Peyton Langford It's important to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, one super beneficial way to receive them is with WeatherCall NexGen. Unlike most severe weather alert services, WeatherCall NexGen will only alert you if you're in the polygon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
