Batesville Man Charged in ICAC Investigation

Josue Alexander Cruz faces felony for possession of child sexual abuse material

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 20-year-old Batesville man has been arrested and charged with a felony following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program. Josue Alexander Cruz was taken into custody on February 12 after authorities executed a search warrant at his residence and found evidence of illegal digital material involving a minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the exploitation of minors online. The ICAC program works to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, which is a serious crime with significant consequences.

The details

According to the affidavit, the investigation began on January 5 after the ICAC program received a cyber tip from the social media platform Discord regarding the posting of illicit material. Authorities traced the internet activity to Cruz's residence on Neeley Street in Batesville. During the search, investigators seized electronic devices that are currently undergoing forensic examination, which could lead to additional charges.

  • The investigation began on January 5, 2026 after a cyber tip was received.
  • The search warrant was executed on February 12, 2026 at Cruz's residence.
  • Cruz was released on February 17, 2026 on a $250,000 bond.

The players

Josue Alexander Cruz

A 20-year-old Batesville resident who was arrested and charged with possession or use of child sexual abuse material, a Class B felony.

Brenda Bittle

An investigator with the Batesville Police Department who filed the affidavit in the case.

John Scarbrough

The Batesville Police Chief who addressed the case and dismissed claims that it would be ignored.

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What they’re saying

“The department wants to assure the community that all investigations are conducted in strict accordance with the law and the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure to preserve the integrity of every case. Claims suggesting that this matter would be disregarded or 'swept under the rug' are unequivocally false.”

— John Scarbrough, Batesville Police Chief (Batesville Police Department)

What’s next

Forensic examinations of the seized electronic devices are currently underway, which could lead to additional charges against Cruz.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the exploitation of minors online. While the investigation process must be thorough and methodical, the Batesville Police Department has assured the community that this matter will be handled with the utmost seriousness and in accordance with the law.