Boys and Girls Club of Saline County, in Benton, Arkansas. 📸 Shelli Poole
The Benton Police Department has officially closed its investigation into allegations that a staff member struck an 8-year-old child at the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County, ruling the incident as unfounded.
After a thorough review of facility security footage and interviews with personnel, authorities announced Monday that no criminal charges will be pursued. Read more below.
The investigation was launched after a mother reported to police on Aug. 25 that her child was hit in the stomach by a staff member on Aug. 24, allegedly following a dispute with another club member. Because the case involves a juvenile, the department has not released the child’s identity.
During the inquiry, officers reviewed security camera footage covering the child’s arrival through departure. According to the Benton Police Department, investigators did not observe the reported physical altercation, any staff member striking the child, or the child being isolated in a separate area.
Police noted that the child was visible on camera for the vast majority of the time at the facility and did not display any behavior indicating distress or injury.
Additionally, investigators attempted to conduct a forensic interview of the child through the Cooper Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center. However, police reported that the mother and child did not appear for the scheduled appointment and did not subsequently reschedule with investigators.
Based on the video evidence and investigative findings, the police department classified the incident as unfounded. The department emphasized its commitment to impartial investigations and ensuring the safety of children and families in the community.
The conclusion of the investigation follows a statement issued last week by Boys & Girls Club of Saline County CEO Heath Massey, who confirmed the organization was fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Massey previously noted that the club provided authorities with full access to security video and made staff members available to support the investigation, emphasizing that the safety of club members remains their top priority.
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