Foster fathers charged in child abuse case

Branson foster fathers Jamison Darrell Hall and Travis Arnold were charged last week after a child abuse investigation. 

Hall and Arnold have both been charged with a class D felony of Abuse or Neglect of a Child with no sexual contact. If found guilty, both men will be sentenced to no less than two years and no more than seven.

According to the probable cause statements against Hall and Arnold, the male juvenile victim disclosed abuse on Nov. 17, 2023 through a recorded forensic interview. During the interview, he identified his foster dads Hall and Arnold and accused them of abusing him physically and mentally over his time in their home.

“The juvenile victim stated both his dads would beat him with the belt on his legs for making too much noise or not getting chores done. The juvenile went on to state that besides the beatings he would get taken outside and left until they told him to come back in. (This was done by Arnold). The juvenile victim stated that sometimes he would not even know what he did to get punished, but they, both dads, will just come into his room and beat him with the belt one of them would take off,” stated the probable cause statements. “Some nights, he would get whooped and then wake up the next morning to another whooping.” 

The victim stated Hall and Arnold would berate him and call him names. He said he was fed cheese and bread sandwiches, while Hall and Arnold would eat full meals in front of him.

Medical exam conducted after the interview revealed bruising in various stages of aging scabs and abrasions all over the juvenile victim's body including parallel, linear bruising on both his thighs and buttocks. There were also ruptured blood vessels found inside the victim’s mouth. 

According to the investigator, Hall and Arnold initially agreed to be interviewed. However, they later rejected the interview request by calling a Division of Family Service worker. They also requested the cancellation of their foster license. The investigator said he attempted to contact Hall and Arnold to get their side, but attempts were not responded to.

The probable cause statement says the investigator believe both Hall and Arnold were a danger to the victim and the community.

“I believe that defendant poses:

●      A danger to the crime victim because: (they) placed a fear into the victim that could be re-lived for years if he would ever happen to see (them) again in the future 

●      A danger to the community or any other persons because: I was advised that Jamison and Travis attempted to get their foster license back, which was denied, after this incident, and if they would happen to get a license again under another state, possibly they could reoffend against another child

●      There are reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant(s) will not appear upon a summons because: Jamison and his partner never allowed an interview from this investigation, which shows their noncompliance with law-enforcement and the child’s division, and they believe they can avoid consequences in this matter.” 

Charges were filed on Sept. 14, 2026 in Taney County, Missouri.