Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans’s spouse David Eason was charged with child abuse after her son Jace, 14, went missing three times in six weeks.
The charge is a misdemeanor, TMZ reported Tuesday, adding that the probe against the Oak Island, North Carolina native, 31, and her husband, 35, began after her son Jace, 14, went missing for the third time in six weeks.
Evans shares Jace with ex Andrew Lewis and is also mother to son Kaiser, nine, with ex Nathan Griffith; and daughter Ensley, six, with Eason.
The couple was pictured October 15 at the Wilmington Gun & Knife Show in Wilmington, North Carolina in video published by TMZ, amid reports that ‘criminal charges [were] likely’ to be filed against them in connection with an assault and neglect probe by social workers.
The MTV personality and her husband brought children Kaiser and Ensley to the event, where weapons such as guns and knives are displayed for sale on tables, sources told the outlet, adding that Jace was not present for the outing.
The latest: Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans’ spouse David Eason, 35, was charged with child abuse after her son Jace, 14, went missing three times in six weeks. Pictured in 2020
Eason and Kaiser looked at items such as rifle scopes, gun holster and knives while at the weapons marketplace; while Ensley remained close to Evans, witnesses told the outlet.
Eason appeared ‘to purchase a bulletproof vest for himself, and a wooden battle ax for Kaiser,’ TMZ reported, citing witnesses. Evans and her daughter spent about 20 minutes total at the show before leaving, onlookers told the outlet.
TMZ reported earlier this month that the CPS probe of Evans and Eason ‘is in the final stages’ and that it is probable that one or both are charged as a result.
Since Jace’s three attempts to run away, he has returned to the care of his grandmother Barbara Evans, with whom he has lived for much of his life.
The Ashley reported that at an October 11 custody hearing, Eason was removed from the courtroom.
In a previous hearing, Evans was prohibited from speaking with Jace, unless he initiated it, while Eason was forbidden to have any contact with the teen.
Charges: Jenelle Evans, 31, and her husband David Eason, 35, were investigated after her oldest son Jace, 14, claimed his stepfather assaulted him September 28
No contact: The court has ordered Jenelle to have no contact with Jace unless he initiates it. The judge ruled David cannot have any contact with the teen who is currently living with his grandmother, Barbara
Law enforcement officials are investigating allegations that Eason assaulted Jace on September 28.
A source told The Sun that the following day, Jace was taken to the hospital, where doctors found marks on his arms and neck.
The source also alleged the physical interaction was captured on the doorbell camera at their home.
It appears that the probe appears to be expanding to include their other children as well, as Jace has claimed he is not the only one to be physically harmed.
‘The judge asked a lot of questions about what Jace saw, and she took the allegations of abuse against the other minors in the home very seriously,’ a source told the outlet.
Evans welcomed Jace in 2009 when she was just 17-years-old – she was filming 16 and Pregnant at the time and still in a relationship with his father, Lewis.
The former reality star regained custody of the teen earlier this year.
Eason shares son Kaiser, nine, with ex Griffith; a source told the outlet the boy had been having trouble at school.
Investigation: The investigation has expanded, and CPS investigators have been ordered to speak to Jenelle’s other kids; Kaiser, nine, and Ensley, six, away from Jenelle and her husband David Eason. David’s daughter, Maryssa, 16, also lives with the family
‘Kaiser was suspended from school for a week recently,’ a source said. ‘He’s in third grade. It’s not normal at all. The kids are acting out. And, it’s a total cry for help.’
Eason’s daughter, Maryssa, 16, also lives on the property, which they call The Land, with the family.
CPS investigators were allegedly prevented from speaking to Kaiser and Ensley when they came out to investigate.
‘It was said in court that the first time CPS came, they didn’t let them in,’ a source told the outlet. ‘The second time [they came] David thought they were trespassers and threatened to shoot them and the third time, they came in, but Jenelle only allowed the kids to be interviewed while she was present.
Per the judge’s ruling on Wednesday, ‘The kids will now be interviewed away from Jenelle.’
Depending on the result of the investigation, both Evans and Eason could be facing charges for neglect and assault, according to TMZ.
Another hearing has been set for later this month to determine how Jace’s living situation with his grandmother is going.