Lake City Man Accused of Felony Child Battery

LAKE CITY, Ark. — A Lake City man has been arrested on a felony domestic battery charge involving a child following an investigation that began with a report of alleged child abuse.

According to a probable cause affidavit, authorities received a report on Nov. 8, 2025, alleging possible child abuse. The incident was initially reported to the Osceola Police Department and was said to have occurred at a residence in Craighead County near Lake City.

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The affidavit states the reporting party provided photographs of a 7-year-old child showing bruising around her eye. Investigators said the child disclosed to an Osceola police officer that her father, Christopher Neal Sain, struck her in the face because she did not answer a question.

On Jan. 8, 2026, Sgt. Mandi Smyth conducted a forensic interview with the alleged victim. During the interview, the affidavit states the child reported that Sain would hit her if she snacked before dinner. The child told investigators dinner was not until 9 p.m. and said she would be hungry.

The affidavit further states that the child disclosed that Sain spanked her with his shoe. Investigators reported they were shown a photograph depicting severe bruising to the child’s buttocks. Authorities said all photographs would be added to the case file.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher Neal Sain, 26, of Lake City, was arrested and charged with second-degree domestic battery involving a child under the age of 12, a Class C felony.

Court records indicate Sain was already out on bond following an Aug. 1 hearing, with the bond agreed upon by the prosecutor and defense counsel. The bond amount was not disclosed in the probable cause affidavit or listed on the jail website.

Prosecutors tell NEA Report that bail was $10,000 cash or surety with a no-contact order in place.

Sain’s next court date is scheduled for March 19.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.