Two Newport Arkansas residents are facing serious felony charges following an investigation into a recorded video chat at a regional detention facility.
Daniel Loyd Renfrow, 37, and Melissa Anna Renfrow, 45, are each being held on $250,000 bond at the Independence County Detention Center after a judge found probable cause to charge them with engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in a visual or print medium, a Class Y felony.
According to an affidavit from Investigator Brenda Bittle with the Batesville Police Department, the investigation began on February 3, 2026, after a report from the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.
Authorities say a White River Regional Detention Center employee flagged a 28-minute recorded video chat that allegedly showed two adults engaged in sexual activity while a child was present.
The video was recorded while Daniel Renfrow was incarcerated at the detention facility. Investigators obtained the recording after receiving approval from jail officials.
During questioning, Melissa Renfrow reportedly told investigators she was unaware the video chat was being recorded.
Following a review of the evidence, a judge issued arrest warrants. Melissa Renfrow was taken into custody on February 6, 2026, while Daniel Renfrow was booked into the facility on April 7, 2026.
The case remains under investigation.
