5:43 p.m. update: Janefer Ogborn was found not guilty of the misdemeanor charge.
Original Story
BENTONVILLE — James and Janefer Ogborn hugged each other Tuesday after a judge found that prosecutors had not presented sufficient evidence for their case to go forward to the jury.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren granted directed verdict motions from the couple’s defense attorneys.
The defense attorneys had argued that prosecutors had not presented sufficient evidence to convict their clients of all the charges.
James and Janefer Ogborn were charged with three counts of endangering welfare of a minor in the first degree, a Classs D felony and three counts of false imprisonment in the first degree, a Class C felony. James Ogborn was also charged with permitting abuse of minor, a Class D felony. Janefer Ogborn was also charged with aggravated assault, a Class D felony.
The judge did not dismiss a battery in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, charge against Janefer Ogborn. Her husband was not charged with the offense.
The trial will go on, but only on the misdemeanor charge.
James Ogborn is no longer a party in the case. All the charges against him were dismissed.
Three children had claimed that the Ogborn kept them in bedroom and monitored by a camera.
Cpl. John Jordan, a Bella Vista police officer, testified that he responded to a 911 call on Aug. 9, 2013 from the 15-year-old.
The boy claimed that Janefer Ogborn kicked and hit him. He also claimed that he and his two siblings were forced to stay in a bedroom.
Defense attorneys for Janefer Ogborn were presenting testimony Tuesday afternoon.
Prosecutors have rested their case.
James Ogborn was sitting in the audience instead of at the defense table.