A local man and woman have been arrested after allegedly using a Taser on a five-year-old child. The couple was charged in a sealed indictment last week for child abuse and aggravated child abuse, and placed in custody.
Authorities say 35-year-old Mark Dwayne Cantrell of Smithville, and 39-year-old Nikesha Danielle Cooper of McMinnville, are due to appear in DeKalb County Criminal Court on August 7. Cantrell is under a $200,000 bond, while Cooper’s is set for $300,000.
The offenses allegedly occurred on or about August 26, 2021, when the child was five years old until August 25, 2022. The child’s date of birth is July 27, 2016. Authorities say that during this time a Taser was used on the minor.
Cantrell and Cooper are co-indicted on two counts of aggravated child abuse and four counts of child abuse. Cooper is also indicted for one additional count of aggravated child abuse and two additional counts of child abuse.
The indictments allege that, “On or about August 26, 2021 to August 25, 2022 in DeKalb County and before the finding of this indictment, Cantrell and Cooper did unlawfully, knowingly, and other than by accidental means, abuse (victim), a child under 18 years of age, such act of abuse, neglect, or endangerment was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, or involved the infliction of torture to the victim, thereby committing the offense of aggravated child abuse in violation of state law.”
The counts against Cantrell and Cooper for child abuse allege that “On or about August 26, 2021 to August 25, 2022 in DeKalb County and before the finding of this indictment, Cantrell and Cooper did unlawfully, knowingly, and other than by accidental means, abused or neglected, and inflicted injury on (victim), a child under 18 years of age, such act of abuse or neglect so as to adversely affect the child’s health and welfare, thereby committing the offense of child abuse in violation of state law.”
Others charged by the Grand Jury under sealed indictments were:
Christopher McPherson, 42, of Melanie Drive, Cookeville. He was charged with two counts of methamphetamine manufacture deliver sell or possess with intent. He was arrested July 24, and is under a $60,000 bond.
Danny Ray Murphy, 41, of Shady Drive, Smithville, was charged with four counts of methamphetamine manufacture deliver sell or possess with intent. He is under a $120,000 bond and is set to appear in court on August 7.
Jada Butcher, 22, of South Mountain Street, Smithville is charged with two counts of schedule I drugs manufacture deliver sell or possess, and two counts of meth manufacture deliver sell or possess. She is under a $70,000 bond and her court date is August 7.
