Charleston, West Virginia — A TikTok influencer and her fiancé are facing first-degree arson and conspiracy charges after police alleged that the couple started a fire inside an abandoned home that later caused about $10,000 in damage to a nearby church.
Felicity Eatmon, 22, and Dakota Harper, 21, who operate a joint TikTok account with more than 28,000 followers, were arrested Tuesday in Charleston, according to police and local reports.
The couple appeared in court following their arrests as investigators detailed the allegations against them.
Police Say Surveillance Video Captured the Incident
According to a criminal complaint, investigators obtained surveillance footage that allegedly showed Eatmon handing Harper what appeared to be a piece of paper.
Police said the item was then lit and placed inside the vacant home, where the fire was allegedly started.
The abandoned property was subsequently destroyed by the blaze, while the fire also caused damage to a nearby church. Authorities charged both Eatmon and Harper with first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
They were each being held on a $10,000 bond following their arrests. The allegations remain accusations, and the charges have not been proven in court.
Couple Had Built a Following on TikTok
Before their arrests, Eatmon and Harper had developed a social media following through videos documenting their relationship and everyday lives.
The couple had accumulated more than 28,000 followers on their joint TikTok account. Eatmon has referred to Harper as her fiancé in videos and has also shown her engagement ring to followers.
Some of the couple’s most popular content featured them spending time together at a fair and relaxing by a pool. Several of those videos had received millions of views, giving the pair a sizable audience online.
Their social media presence now stands in sharp contrast to the serious criminal allegations they are facing.
Both Suspects Appeared in Court
Harper and Eatmon were both arraigned Tuesday in Kanawha County.
According to jail records cited in local reports, Harper is listed as 3 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 43 pounds. Video from the court appearance showed him seated at the courtroom desk during his arraignment.
Eatmon, who is listed as 5 feet, 1 inch tall, was also arraigned on Tuesday.
The proceedings followed the investigation into the vacant-home fire and the surveillance footage that authorities say connected the couple to the incident.
Investigators’ allegations will now be addressed through the criminal court process.
Defense Attorney Emphasizes Presumption of Innocence
Harper’s attorney, Richard Holicker of the Public Defender’s Office, stressed that the allegations are still only charges.
“This is just a charge and there is a presumption of innocence.”
That principle will remain important as the case moves forward. Prosecutors will have to establish the allegations against both defendants in court, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the evidence and present its case.
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For now, both Eatmon and Harper remain accused rather than convicted.
The case is likely to receive additional attention because of the couple’s existing social media following and the surveillance evidence described by investigators.
The alleged fire also resulted in damage beyond the abandoned property itself, with police saying the nearby church suffered approximately $10,000 in losses.
As the legal proceedings continue, the evidence surrounding the fire, including the surveillance footage cited in the criminal complaint, is expected to play an important role in determining what happened.
What do you think about the allegations against the TikTok couple? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned as more details emerge from the case.
