Two People Face Charges of Interference with Court Ordered Custody

Christopher Walraven 38-years-old and Lora Bell 32-years-old both of Mountain View, Arkansas was arrested without incident involving an Interference with Child Custody case St. Francis County investigators were working.  On October 24, 2024, the child's guardian took the 12-year-old girl over to Parkin, Arkansas to visit her grandmother, which is Christopher Walraven mother as she had done in the past without any problems.  The guardian returned two days later and discovered both Sandra and the child were gone.  Investigators learned that Walraven signed his paternal rights of his child over to his mother, Sandra in January 2022.  Sandra's health became severe and couldn't take care of the child and in August 2024, she signed her rights of the child over to Alan and April Mathes where the child has lived since then.  Investigators learned that Walraven was living in the Mountain View area and believed that this is where both Sandra and the child were.  Arrest Warrants were issued for both Christopher and Lora for their involvement in the child being taken to Mountain View.  Both were taken into custody and is now being held in the SFC Detention Center each charged with Interference with Child Custody a Class C Felony and is scheduled to appear in court today where a bond will be set.  The investigation is continuing, and additional charges are pending.  The Sheriff Department is pleased to announce that the child has been returned to her family and is safe and well.