Teen Mom 2 alum David Eason‘s trouble with the law continues after he was charged with misdemeanor child abuse involving wife Jenelle Evans‘ eldest son, Jace Evans, following the teen’s runaway attempts. Fans are wondering what’s next for the former MTV star in his newest court battle.
What Is David Eason Accused Of?
David allegedly “assaulted” Jace, which resulted in the teen’s third runaway attempt on September 28, 2023.
“On or about the date of offense shown in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did being the parent of (redacted), who was a child less than 16 years of age, inflict physical injury on that child,” according to the court summons obtained by In Touch on October 26, 2023. The document including September 28, 2023, as the date of the offense was the same day Jace ran away from home and later ended up in the hospital.
“The physical injury inflicted caused marks on the right arm and left and right side of the neck, and was inflicted by other than accidental means,” the document went on to state.
What Is a Criminal Summons?
A criminal summons is often issued in lieu of a warrant of arrest, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which adds, “It is the same as a warrant, except it shall summon the individual named therein to appear before a U.S. Magistrate or Judge at a given time and location.”
In David’s case, the summons was issued by the court on October 24, 2023, and served by the Columbus County Clerk’s office the following day.
What Led to David Eason Being Charged With Child Abuse?
After two prior runway attempts that August, Jace’s third runaway attempt involved the teen sneaking out of a window at his family’s home and leaving his cell phone behind, which caused Jenelle to call the police. Authorities visited her mother Barbara Evans‘ home, but Jace was not there. However, the teen allegedly told his grandmother that David had assaulted him.
“Made contact with Barbara who advised [Jace] was not at the residence…” the police report, which was obtained by The Ashley, stated. “She advised that she had spoken to [Jace] earlier in the evening when he called from an unknown number and told her about being assaulted by David Eason and that he ran away and was hiding.”
David became the subject of an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) and North Carolina’s Columbus County Police following the incident. “CPS got involved when Jace was checked into [the] hospital,” Jenelle’s manager exclusively confirmed to In Touch at the time of Jace’s third runaway attempt, adding, “Jace is still in the hospital yes, they are doing a mental health evaluation.”
What Has David Eason Said About the Child Abuse Allegations?
David defended himself against allegations he hurt his stepson in an October 3, 2023, Instagram post. The former MTV personality wrote, “It takes a sick person to spread lies on the internet about a child! Then the rest of you are sick for chiming in like you know something because you read their lies. You people really need help! Our kids are in our custody and anything you read is not true! Police reports have been falsified and the truth is already apparent to everyone involved.” He added, “The best thing any of you can do for Jace is to stop talking about him all together please! Thanks.”
What Has Jenelle Evans Said About The Child Abuse Allegations?
Despite the CPS investigation, Jenelle defended her husband in an October 15, 2023, TikTok video. “He is being accused of some horrible, horrible s–t that is not true. I was there, my kids were there, everyone was there. You guys have no idea about the details,” Jenelle explained. “It just makes me really sad for David. Because David is like, he’s just taking all of these punches, rolling with it, not saying s–t. I don’t blame him, and I feel really bad for him because my kids adore that man. My kids love that man so much.”
David Was Indicted in His Child Abuse Case
David’s child abuse case was moved to superior court during his January 10, 2024, court appearance, In Touch confirmed at the time. According to multiple reports, he was also hit with a felony assault by strangulation charge.
“They found enough evidence to take his case out of district court, where misdemeanors are held, and bring it to superior,” the court clerk confirmed to In Touch.
Child Protective Services Dropped the Case Against David Eason and Jenelle Evans
On February 15, 2024, Jenelle revealed that Child Protective Services dropped the case against her and David.
“I have some good news and I’m kind of shaking right now from anxiety,” Jenelle began in a TikTok video. “All allegations against me and my husband have been officially dropped.”
Jenelle added that she hadn’t initially planned on sharing the news, but that she felt that it was important for her to “control the narrative now that the case has been dropped.” She also claimed that “someone is already leaking information to the media” and speculated that it was either Jace’s father, Andrew Lewis, or her mother. Jenelle said that they were “only two people who knew the information.”
While she didn’t share many details regarding what led to the dismissal, the Teen Mom alum promised fans that she would eventually reveal what happened.
“I’d appreciate it if everyone respects my son’s privacy so he can get his mental health in check,” she continued. “Just know that I am super happy. I feel like this is unreal. Still hasn’t hit me yet.”
Are Jenelle Evans and David Eason Still Together Amid His Child Abuse Case?
Though Jenelle initially stuck by her husband, she filed for legal separation from David on February 23, 2024, The U.S. Sun reported at the time. She listed their date of separation as February 16 on the North Carolina court paperwork and claimed that they were separating because of David’s “erratic” behavior, “substance abuse” and refusal to work. They split “with the intent that the separation be permanent,” according to The Sun.
Jenelle later claimed in a TikTok Q&A video on March 6, 2024, that David and the state of North Carolina wouldn’t “allow” her to file for divorce.
“I would’ve skipped straight to a divorce, but I couldn’t. In the state of North Carolina, you have to be legally separated for a year,” she said. “You have to prove that you have two separate addresses. You don’t have to file it really to prove that you lived in two separate addresses for a year, but the problem with that is that neither of us wanted to leave.”
When a North Carolina-based fan told Jenelle that she and David could get divorced after a month of separation, the reality star said, “He won’t allow that. If you see each other one time, if you hook up and end up back together just for one night, it doesn’t matter. The clock restarts. They’re very particular here, which is crazy.”
David was served a domestic protective order while living on their boat on April 2, 2024, according to photos and a video obtained by The U.S. Sun.
“David was served with Jenelle’s complaint for separation, as well as a complaint for a domestic violence protective order,” a source told the outlet at the time. Jenelle’s request was reportedly denied at first because there is already an order of protection against David for Jace, and another proactive order would “not be considered emergent.” The source claimed that Jenelle then asked for a hearing to be granted a civil no-contact order.
Jace Evans Is Reportedly Going to Testify Against David Eason in Court
Jace reportedly plans to take the stand and testify against his stepfather in the Superior court this summer, according to a report from The U.S. Sun on May 9, 2024.
“Jace is adamant about going to testify. He can’t wait to take the stand, he hates David,” a source told the outlet
