Wesley Price, a 51-year-old man from Lowell, was sentenced to six years of state-supervised probation after pleading guilty to charges connected to child abuse. Price entered guilty pleas earlier this month to felony endangering the welfare of a minor, aggravated assault, and terroristic threatening, according to court records and a probable cause affidavit obtained from Benton County officials.
Price was arrested in 2025 after authorities received a disturbing report about living conditions and treatment of children in a home shared by Wesley Price and Shannon Price. A caller told police that two children lived there under neglectful and abusive circumstances, with one sleeping on the floor and the other on a mattress soiled with cat feces and urine, the affidavit said. The affidavit did not specify the ages of the children, keeping that information redacted.
During a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, a boy living in the home described several abusive incidents allegedly involving Wesley Price. The boy said Price pushed his head into a toilet and threatened the children with a knife by holding it to their throats, warning he would kill them. The affidavit also noted that Price physically restrained the children at times.
Judge proceedings on the case resolved after Price accepted a plea deal rather than facing a trial. The sentencing calling for six years of probation means Price will be subject to monitoring and restrictions under the supervision of the Arkansas Department of Community Correction.
This outcome comes amid growing local attention to child welfare issues in Benton County. Investigations into cases like this often involve coordination between the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and local prosecutors. The collaboration aims to protect vulnerable children and bring offenders to justice.
The home where the reported abuse occurred is located in Lowell, a city growing quickly yet still grappling with infrastructure and social challenges that impact families. Incidents like this highlight the importance of reporting suspected abuse and neglect to local authorities to ensure children are safe.
Wesley Price’s case joins other recent community efforts focused on child protection. Nearby Bentonville and Fayetteville have both increased funding and resources for child advocacy centers, reflecting statewide attention to child abuse prevention and support services.
For residents concerned about child welfare in their neighborhoods, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office encourages reporting suspicious activities or conditions. Early intervention can prevent harm and connect families with resources to address underlying problems.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
