Arkansas Man Arrested for Hiding 5-Year-Old Daughter in Nailed Closet Compartment to Prevent State Custody Transfer

Jon Thompson faces charges including false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a minor after hiding his daughter in a secret closet compartment, armed with a candle, to prevent her custody transfer, following positive drug test results and failed compliance with regular drug testing.

Jon Thompson, a 40-year-old Arkansas man, faces felony charges including false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a minor, after hiding his 5-year-old daughter in a secret closet compartment in an effort to prevent her being taken into state custody.
Police bodycam footage showed Thompson directing police to a hidden compartment in his bedroom's walk-in closet, calling out to his daughter and then removing a false wall to reach her. The girl, who was surrounded by pink insulation with only a lit candle for light, emerged terrified and crying.
The incident occurred when officials from the Department of Human Services, assisted by Tontitown Police, arrived at Thompson's parents' house with a court order to take custody of his daughter following Thompson's failure to comply with regular drug testing and his daughter's hair follicle testing positive for methamphetamine.
Thompson's daughter, who was frightened and had to sit cross-legged due to space constraints, was told by her father that the compartment was a 'super hideout' and was instructed to keep quiet or be taken away. Despite pleas, she had been held in the confined space for around 30 minutes and nobody let her out even when she needed to use the bathroom.
Following the discovery and rescue of the child, police reached out to the prosecuting attorney to build a case against Thompson who was later arrested and charged on November 3. During a search of the home, a bullet-resistant vest was also found in the hidden compartment.
Thompson, who was out on bond for a methamphetamine charge in a neighbouring jurisdiction, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following the incident, the child has been placed in a foster home and Thompson is awaiting his court date set for December 4.