The caller alleged that a female was being held against her will and being physically abused by Nathan G. Hammond Jr, 38 of Edwards. Lieutenant Lowe contacted and interviewed the alleged victim, Misty Orcutt, 30. Both Orcutt and Hammond stated that all was well and there was no visible physical evidence to prove otherwise. Orcutt chose to take her minor child and leave the residence in her vehicle. Lieutenant Lowe departed the address and resumed his duties.
At approximately 6:08 PM the same evening, a second 911 call was received from the same residence. The caller, Cheyenne E. Smith, 25 stated she had been physically assaulted and needed an ambulance. Lieutenant Lowe returned to the residence, separating the victim from the suspect for an interview. Once the distance was sufficient for Smith to feel safe, she asked Lieutenant Lowe to help her. Smith stated she was being held against her will, had been physically assaulted and that she witnessed the assault on Orcutt. Smith alleged that both she and Orcutt were threatened with death and the death of Orcutt’s child by Hammond.
Hammond was taken into custody without incident and placed on a 24-hour hold pending further investigation. Lieutenant Lowe petitioned for and received a search warrant which was served on the residence in the early morning hours of April 17th. Physical evidence was collected to support the allegations of the victims.
After collecting statements from the victims and assessing the facts of the case, multiple charges were filed on Hammond. They are as follows: 2 counts of Kidnapping in the 1st Degree (Class A Felony); Child Kidnapping (Class A Felony); Rape or Attempted Rape in the 1st degree (Unclassified Felony); 2 counts of Assault in the 3rd Degree; 2 counts of Harassment in the 1st Degree (Class E Felony); Stalking in the 1st Degree, First Offense (Class E Felony) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana. Hammond is being held in the Benton County Jail on a one-million-dollar cash or surety bond.
On April 19, 2022, Detective Snyder of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office served an additional search warrant on the same residence in search of further evidence pertaining to this case, this investigation is ongoing. If you have knowledge of this alleged crime or any other crime or have been a victim of Hammond please call the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 660-438-6135, extension #3.
