Couple arrested after girl says she was given 1 Pop-Tart per week, sexually abused for 3 years, police say
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Gray News) – A couple in Arkansas was arrested after a girl told a school counselor about the abuse she suffered for three years.
Annie Caler, 28, and Daniel Caler, 34, were arrested on May 9 by the Bentonville Police Department.
According to a report from KNWA, the victim, whose age was not given, told authorities that Daniel Caler raped her repeatedly for three years, starting in August 2020 until March 2023.
Annie Caler allegedly witnessed the sexual abuse at least twice, but Daniel Caler allegedly threatened to kill her if she reported it.
The victim also reported several instances of physical abuse, forced drug use, and deprivation of food and water, according to an affidavit.
The girl said she was forced to use various drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and meth, and she was also forced to participate in drug deals.
Annie Caler allegedly stabbed the victim in the neck with a fork after being unhappy with how the dishes were cleaned.
The girl also told authorities that when she had a broken leg, the couple refused to take her to the hospital or get any medical care.
The girl also told officials that she was forced to sleep in a bathtub without a pillow or blanket and was only allowed to have one Pop-Tart and one glass of water per week.
The victim reported the abuse to her school counselor last month, who then ed police.
It is unclear what relationship the girl has to the couple.
Both suspects are being held in the Benton County Detention Center.
Jail records show Daniel Caler is charged with rape, sexual assault, permitting abuse of a minor and endangering the welfare of a minor charges.
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.
Daniel Caler is being held on a bond of $750,000, according to court records. Annie Caler’s bond was set at $500,000.
According to KHBS, both are being assigned public defenders. Court dates were set for June.
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