On July 11, 2012, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 34-year-old Jaccob Billiter following a child abuse investigation. The previous day, deputies were called to a home in the 24000 block of North Highway 89 in Paulden, Arizona. Deputies found a camper on the property being used as a residence. They contacted a 23-year-old female who was caring for 2 boys at the location. The female is not the biological mother, but is in a relationship with Billiter and living with him and his sons.  

Deputies eventually located the boys, age 6 and 4, and saw that the oldest boy had a significant injury to his head and dried blood on his face. Deputies were told that Billiter had recently held the 6-year-old upside down and whipped him with a hose as punishment for drinking out of the irrigation system. The head injury was apparently caused when the boy was “dropped” head first on the ground. Deputies found welts on the boys back apparently caused by the hose. The 4-year-old had a visible injury on his forehead resulting from punishment by Billiter.

Paramedics transported the children to the hospital for treatment. During attempts to locate Billiter, deputies were told by neighbors that he had run from the area as they were arriving. A search of the vicinity was unsuccessful.

On July 11, 2012, deputies received information that Billiter was staying near the incident location at a friend’s home. Billiter was located and arrested without incident. He was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Child Abuse (2 counts – felony), Aggravated Assault (felony), Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor), and Neglect/Abuse a Minor (2 counts – misdemeanor). He remains in-custody on a $10,000 bond. The children remain in protective custody.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov