On December 19, 2024, the Jonesboro Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Division received a cybertip from the Arkansas State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Division Task Force. This cyber tip originated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The NCMEC received information that an account registered to Dakota Peeler was flagged for sending an image containing child sexual abuse material. It was reported that Peeler sent a picture in a message to another account on November 25, 2024. The IP address associated with the upload returned to Paragould Municipal Utilities, who advised that the address and account information were linked to Peeler.
On May 21, 2025, the Jonesboro Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit, along with the Paragould Police Department, conducted a search warrant and arrest warrant for Dakota Peeler. Peeler was placed into custody and advised that he had engaged in viewing and distributing child sexual abuse material. He also stated that he has been talking to a juvenile female through text messages. His cell phone was seized and processed. Detectives discovered several images of child sexual abuse material on his device, along with communications between him and a 13-year-old female.
He went before Judge Dan Stidham. He was issued a $250,000 bond and given a court date of June 27, 2025. The Judge also ordered that he not possess any devices that have internet access and no contact with any victim, witness, or any child. A public defender was also appointed.