AR foster parents accused of abusing 9-year-old

Benton, Arkansas  –  A Benton couple is behind bars after police say they abused the 9-year-old child they are foster parents to.

John Richard Huthmaker, 49, and his wife, Colleen Huthmaker, 37, were arrested in the case.  John face a charge of second-degree battery, while Colleen faces a charge of permitting child abuse.

The Benton Police Department reports they were notified on August 18 about a possible child abuse case.  Police say they are working with the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division to investigate.

Benton school officials told their resource officers and contacted the state child abuse hotline about the suspected child abuse case.

Authorities interviewed the Huthmaker’s about possible abuse that is said to have happened at their Benton home at 7 a.m. on Aug. 18.

John and Colleen Huthmaker were arrested after being interviewed, and taken to the Saline County Detention Center.