After asking for the community’s help Saturday afternoon in locating James William Hastings, 32, of Poplar Bluff, he was arrested later that evening and charged with suspicion of child abuse.
Officers were provided with information that allowed them to contact Hastings and bring him into custody, according to Detective Andy Cleaveland with the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Hastings is now being held at Butler County jail.
The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.
Police became involved after allegations of child abuse were made. Forensic interviews were conducted, with information found to be sustained, Cleaveland said.
“At that point the safety of the children and mom became paramount and they were taken into protective custody and moved from the area,” Cleaveland said.
Hastings did not reside with the mother and her five children, ages 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14, but was in a relationship with the mother and would occasionally stay at the residence.
Police declined to release further information at this time regarding injuries the children may have sustained.
Hastings spoke with police, but was not willing to admit to anything, Cleaveland said.
“We had more than enough evidence to take him into custody,” he said.