Arkansas Couple Arrested After Child Reports Years of Sexual and Physical Abuse

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — An Arkansas couple is behind bars after a girl came forward to report years of alleged sexual abuse, physical violence, and neglect, according to the Bentonville Police Department.

Daniel Caler, 34, and Annie Caler, 28, were arrested on May 9 following an investigation launched after the victim disclosed the abuse to a school counselor. The counselor promptly notified authorities, triggering a criminal inquiry into the allegations.

According to court documents, the girl—whose age was not released—told investigators that Daniel Caler raped her repeatedly over a nearly three-year period, beginning in August 2020 and continuing through March 2023. She also detailed incidents of severe physical abuse, forced drug use, and deliberate neglect.

The girl alleged that Annie Caler witnessed the sexual assaults on at least two occasions but did not report them, claiming she was threatened with death by Daniel if she spoke out. In one instance, Annie allegedly stabbed the girl in the neck with a fork because she was displeased with how the dishes were cleaned.

The victim further reported that she was forced to consume drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and was made to participate in drug transactions. She described being denied medical treatment, including when she had a broken leg, and said she was forced to sleep in a bathtub without a pillow or blanket. At times, she was limited to just one Pop-Tart and a glass of water per week.

The exact relationship between the girl and the couple has not been disclosed.

Both suspects were booked into the Benton County Detention Center. Daniel Caler faces charges of rape, sexual assault, permitting abuse of a minor, and endangering the welfare of a minor. His bond is set at $750,000.

Annie Caler is charged with introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another, endangering the welfare of a minor, battery, terroristic threatening, and permitting abuse of a minor. Her bond is set at $500,000.

According to local reports, both are being represented by public defenders. Their court dates are scheduled for June.