Husband, wife arrested; faces charges related to abuse of two toddlers
A husband and wife were arrested by Bella Vista police in connection with the sexual abuse of two toddlers, according to a news release.
Douglas Jay Pershing, 54, of Cullen Hills Drive, was arrested in connection with sexual assault, a felony. Tamy Lynn Pershing, 46, was arrested in connection with failure to notify by a mandated reporter (a teacher) and endangering the welfare of a minor, both misdemeanors.
Bella Vista police were notified Aug. 10 of a sexual abuse investigation in Henderson, Nev., according to the arrest affidavit. A 4-year-old girl described to her parents an incident that happened at the Pershings’ home in Bella Vista. The affidavit also states the girl’s 2-year-old sister was involved as well.
When interviewed by Lt. Barb Shrum of the Bella Vista Police Department, Pershing said the girl had seen him naked several times, getting dressed or getting out of the shower, according to the affidavit.
The 4-year-old said Tamy Pershing caught her husband having inappropriate contact with the girl and told Doug Pershing “to stop and not do it again,” according to the affidavit.
Tamy Pershing is a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Arkansas Arts Academy, and “she’s always careful with Doug around her school, so she doesn’t put him in a bad situation.”
Douglas Pershing is the author of “Shifters” series of science fiction books for young adults.
The two were arrested and taken to the Benton County Jail.
Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges against the couple.
Their arraignments are scheduled for 8 a.m. Oct. 9 in Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren’s court.