Two Newport residents face felony charges following an investigation into a recorded video conversation at a regional detention center.
Daniel Loyd Renfrow, 37, and Melissa Anna Renfrow, 45, are being held in the Independence County Detention Center. A judge found probable cause to charge both with engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in a visual or print medium.
The investigation began Feb. 3, when Batesville Police Investigator Brenda Bittle received a report from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division. According to a court affidavit filed Feb. 6, an employee at the White River Regional Detention Center flagged a 28-minute video recording that allegedly showed two adults engaging in sexual acts while a child watched.
The video was recorded while Daniel Renfrow was an inmate at the facility. During the investigation, Melissa Renfrow reportedly told Bittle she was unaware the video chat was being recorded.
Following a review of the evidence, a judge issued warrants for the couple’s arrest. Melissa Renfrow was taken into custody on Feb. 6, while Daniel Renfrow was booked into the Independence County facility Tuesday morning.
Bond for each individual has been set at $250,000.
From left: Daniel Loyd Renfrow, Melissa Anna Renfrow (Images: Independence County Jail)
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