Emmet Man Arrested Following Investigation Into Alleged Child Abuse

A 33-year-old Emmet man has been arrested following a serious investigation into the alleged abuse of a four-year-old child.

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office says James Ivey was arrested by Hempstead County investigators and charged with capital rape, domestic battering in the first degree, unlawful female mutilation of a minor, and terroristic threatening in the first degree.

The investigation began Thursday after a child was taken to Southwest Arkansas Regional Hospital following a reported drowning. Investigators with the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office, working with special agents from the Arkansas State Police, examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and say they uncovered evidence of severe abuse.

The child was transported by Pafford EMS to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where the child remains in critical condition.

Ivey is being held in the Hempstead County Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

Hempstead County Sheriff James A. Singleton said investigators and Arkansas State Police will continue pursuing evidence in the case and working to hold those responsible accountable under the law.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional charges could be filed. The Sheriff’s Office also thanked Arkansas State Police, Southwest Arkansas Regional Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Pafford EMS for their assistance.