Trumann Defendant Arrested In Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigation

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Trumann defendant was arrested after authorities said a cybertip led investigators to online purchases of child sexual abuse material.

Grant Aaron Byerly, 37, of Trumann, was arrested for possession or use of child sexual abuse material, a Class B felony.

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Judge Tommy Fowler set bond at $250,000 cash or surety and ordered Byerly to have no internet access. His next court date is July 30.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the Jonesboro Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving child sexual abuse material being purchased online by someone in the area.

Detectives determined during the investigation that Byerly, who was listed as a Lake City resident at the time, used Cash App to make purchases of child sexual abuse material on the dark web, according to the affidavit.

Police said investigators later learned Byerly had moved to Trumann before an arrest could be made. On June 2, 2026, Jonesboro ICAC detectives, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Trumann Police Department executed a search warrant in Trumann and arrested Byerly.

During an interview, Byerly admitted to purchasing access to child sexual abuse material online using Cash App and admitted to watching the material every couple of weeks, according to the affidavit.

During Byerly’s court appearance, Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Nadzam requested a $250,000 bond, but defense attorney Bill Bristow argued that a $50,000 bond would be enough to ensure Byerly returned to court. Fowler pushed back, saying bond is not only about ensuring a defendant appears in court but also about protecting the community.

Bristow continued arguing for a lower bond, but Fowler held firm at $250,000 cash or surety. Fowler also noted during the exchange that Bristow would likely seek a reduction from a circuit judge anyway.

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