JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro woman has been accused of forging a Missouri judge’s signature on custody documents, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Craighead County.
Ashley Jordan Davis faces charges of second-degree forgery, a Class C felony, and criminal attempt, a Class D felony. Authorities allege she falsified a court order to claim sole physical custody of a child, effectively interfering with court-ordered custody arrangements.
The investigation began on Oct. 9, 2026, when a school resource officer was alerted to a discrepancy with custody documents Davis had provided. Davis allegedly presented paperwork she claimed was issued by the Dunklin County, Missouri, Circuit Court. The documents purportedly granted her sole physical custody and included an order of protection, with a signature dated Oct. 8.
The affidavit states that a review of the paperwork revealed irregularities, such as the absence of an official court file stamp. When questioned, Davis told the officer the documents related to an incident in Arkansas in May 2025 but admitted no supporting police or court records existed.
Further investigation by the officer included contacting the Dunklin County Circuit Court. A circuit clerk there confirmed no such order had been issued on Oct. 8, and investigators determined the documents did not resemble official court paperwork. The case was referred to the Dunklin County court, where the documentation was further reviewed. Judge Pryor ultimately verified he had not signed the order presented by Davis, according to the affidavit.
Davis was arrested and taken to the Craighead County Detention Center. During an initial court appearance on Oct. 12, Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to hold her in custody and set bond at $100,000 cash or surety. The judge remarked on the gravity of the forgery allegation, stating the matter was being taken seriously. A public defender has been assigned to represent Davis.
The court also outlined conditions for Davis’ potential release, including GPS ankle monitoring, no-contact orders, and restrictions on alcohol and nonprescribed controlled substances.
Davis is scheduled to appear in court again at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.