Texas Christian authors arrested after teenager alleges abuse and cover-up

Christian authors and former university lecturers Heather and Seth Day were arrested in Texas after a teenager accused Seth of physical and sexual abuse and Heather of encouraging her to lie about her injuries. The allegations have shaken the Seventh-day Adventist community, where the couple were well-known figures who built a public profile around family life and faith.

Police began investigating after a teacher reported visible injuries to the girl. Court documents say she told investigators Seth had struck her with a mobile phone and told medical staff he had sexually assaulted her; officers later found lubricant in a place she had described, along with other evidence they said matched her account. Seth faces charges of injuring and sexually assaulting a child, while Heather is accused of encouraging the girl to lie; both have indicated they will contest the charges and have not publicly entered pleas.