Izard County, Ark.—A Sage man already charged in a child sexual abuse case now faces an additional 52 felony counts, according to the Arkansas State Police (ASP). Charges against Brandon Lara, 36, stem from allegations of child sexual assault, grooming, and exploitation involving explicit images and videos. His wife, Tara Lara, is also charged in the case.
Investigators with the ASP Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified hundreds of explicit images and videos in Google accounts linked to Brandon Lara, according to a probable cause affidavit. Following this investigation, he faces new charges in Izard and Marion counties. In Izard County, Lara is charged with 40 counts of pandering or possessing visual or print media depicting explicit conduct involving a child, categorized as Class C felonies. His bond in the county has been increased to $450,000.
In Marion County, Lara faces 11 counts of using children in sexually explicit conduct for visual or print media and one count of transporting minors for prohibited sexual conduct. His bond for the Marion County charges is set at $200,000. His wife, Tara Lara, is charged with one count of transporting minors for prohibited sexual conduct in Marion County. Her bond is $25,000. Investigators have indicated that additional charges against both Brandon and Tara Lara are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The investigation began on February 12, 2025, when Google flagged one of Lara's accounts for uploading 25 images and two videos believed to contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The internet provider notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which then referred the tip to law enforcement. ASP agents served an administrative subpoena in June 2025, confirming an address affiliated with the Laras, according to investigators.
Court documents reveal that during a review of Brandon Lara’s Google accounts, ASP investigators discovered hundreds of explicit images, including digitally altered photos made to appear as though they depicted prepubescent children. The affidavit alleges that many of these manipulations sourced images of minors from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Investigators also reportedly found numerous images of Lara posing nude and engaging in illicit acts.
A particularly disturbing incident referenced in the affidavit involved a potential victim under the age of 16. The girl reported that Tara Lara drove her from Marion County to the Laras’ home in Izard County for a "sleepover." According to the victim, Brandon Lara pressured her to wear sexually suggestive clothing. When she refused, he allegedly became aggressive and propositioned her for sex and drugs.
The affidavit states that following his June 11 arrest, Brandon Lara admitted during questioning that he had sexually assaulted one of the victims multiple times, while characterizing those actions as "teaching." He described himself as a "hypersexual person battling a lust demon" and partially attributed his behavior to substance abuse and mental health struggles.
Earlier charges against Lara included second-degree sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child, and sexually grooming a child. Initial reports surfaced in April 2025 when two victims, now adults, accused Lara of abusing them across multiple Arkansas counties. One victim said the abuse began when they were six and continued until they were 15.
During a search of the Laras' Izard County residence in June, authorities discovered what court documents described as “pornography plastered across the walls” alongside other explicit digital material. According to ASP Special Agent Tyler Webb, Lara admitted knowing his actions were "wrong" but claimed he could not control his impulses.
This remains an active investigation, and the ASP urges anyone with information on the case to contact their ICAC Task Force. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and the sensitive allegations involved, the identities of the victims and certain specifics have not been disclosed to the public.