Authors Heather Thompson Day and Seth Day Charged in Keene, Texas, After Alleged Assault of Minor

Heather Thompson Day, a bestselling Christian author and speaker, and her husband, Seth Day, were arrested on child-related charges, according to reports. ChurchLeaders said both were taken into custody by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas on September 24, 2026. Dallas News reported that the couple, both 39, were arrested in Keene, about 30 miles south of Fort Worth, and that prison records show both were admitted to Johnson County Prison. Heather Thompson Day is known for books including “What If I’m Wrong?” and “I’ll See You Tomorrow.” Seth Day is an assistant professor of psychology at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU). The couple previously served on the faculty of Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution in Michigan.

The reports differ on the specific charges. ChurchLeaders reported that Heather Thompson Day was charged with injury to a child, elderly, or disabled person, and that Seth Day faced the same charge plus sexual assault of a child. Dallas News reported that both were charged with assault and sexual abuse. NY Post reported that Heather Thompson Day was charged on September 25 with failing to intervene in the abuse. The reports also differ on when the sexual assault charge against Seth Day was brought. ChurchLeaders listed it at the time of arrest, while NY Post said it followed further investigation.

According to NY Post, the matter came to light after a high school teacher reported concerns to police. Dallas News reported that the teacher had raised concern about a teenage student with “serious injuries” to the head and face. NY Post reported that the minor alleged Seth Day struck her in the face and chest with her cell phone, and that officers found visible cuts and bruises on the child. These are allegations, and the minor is not named in the reports. Reporting concerns to police is the step that brought the matter to the attention of authorities, a call to protect those who cannot protect themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

NY Post reported that the child was later charged-related details focused on the alleged actions of Heather Thompson Day. The report alleges that she ordered the child to wear a face mask to conceal injuries and to lie to medical professionals about how they occurred. The reports do not describe any court ruling on these allegations.

SWAU placed Seth Day on administrative leave following his arrest, according to ChurchLeaders and NY Post. The university stated that the allegations do not involve its students, staff, or other faculty members.

ChurchLeaders said it reached out to Heather Thompson Day for comment but had not received a response.