From Sharp County Sherriff Shane Russell:
Sharp County, AR – On July 3, 2025, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible missing child from a residence near Grange Road. The report involved a four-year-old female whose whereabouts were initially unknown.
Deputies from the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple volunteer fire departments, first responders, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Arkansas Department of Corrections responded immediately to initiate a coordinated search.
During the investigation, Captain G. Stewart, Investigator Lt. B. Trivitt, and Investigator Lt. Cham Buchanan developed information from the child’s mother, identified as Cierra Maple, indicating she possibly could have dropped the child off with a family member in Pfeiffer the evening before. Sheriff Shane Russell contacted Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stevens, who promptly followed up on the lead. Independence County deputies located the child with family members, confirming she had been in their care since the evening of July 2.
Following the investigation, Cierra Maple and the child’s stepfather, Zachary Roberts, were both arrested and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all assisting agencies and community members who responded so quickly and effectively. The safety and wellbeing of our citizens—especially our children—will always remain the highest priority for the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office.