A registered sex offender in Baxter County has been taken into custody after authorities discovered he failed to disclose required social media accounts, officials said.
Jesse Aaron Avant, identified as a Level 2 offender from Gamaliel, was arrested Thursday by deputies from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office. He is facing charges of failing to comply with registration and reporting requirements, along with disorderly conduct.
According to officials, deputies met with Avant on March 26 for a routine verification appointment. During the meeting, he reportedly stated that he only owned a cellphone and a PlayStation 5, and denied having any email or social media accounts — information he is legally required to provide.
Authorities also noted that Avant did not bring his cellphone to the appointment, claiming he had forgotten it.
Later that day, Deputy Tanner Anderson, along with a probation officer from Arkansas Community Corrections, conducted a follow-up visit to Avant’s residence. During the visit, investigators located a cellphone containing an active Facebook account and additional undisclosed social media profiles.
When confronted about the findings, Avant allegedly became agitated and requested not to be taken into custody.
He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Baxter County Detention Center. Officials said he is being held on a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in circuit court on March 30.