TikTok Creator Dakota Harper Appears in Court as Bond Doubles to $20K in Arson Case

TikTok creator Dakota Harper is facing a sharp increase in his bond after a judge raised it to $20,000 (£15,000) during a court appearance in West Virginia on Monday, 5 October.

Harper, 21, appeared in Kanawha County Magistrate Court days after he and his partner, Felicity Eatmon, were arrested over a fire at an abandoned property in Charleston's West Side.

The fire was reported at about 11.15pm on 27 September. Harper and Eatmon were arrested on 29 September and charged with first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

On 5 October, Judge Leslie Grace increased Harper's bond from $10,000 (£7,565) to $20,000 (£15,130). If Harper posts bond, he would be placed on home confinement.

The case has also drawn attention because Harper and Eatmon had built a following on TikTok before their arrests.

Why Was Dakota Harper's Bond Increased?

The latest development came days after the alleged fire and subsequent arrests.

Harper and Eatmon were arrested following an investigation into a blaze at an abandoned property on Maryland Avenue in Charleston's West Side on 27 September.

Harper waived his preliminary hearing, according to reporting on the case. Prosecutors sought an increase in his bond, after which Judge Grace raised it from $10,000 (£7,565) to $20,000 (£15,130).

Eatmon also waived her preliminary hearing during a separate court proceeding on 6 October, while her bond remained at $10,000 (£7,565).

Harper and Eatmon remain in custody at the South Central Regional Jail, according to WCHS.

What Allegedly Happened at the Property?

The allegations stem from the fire reported at around 11.15pm on 27 September.

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance footage showed Harper and Eatmon near the side door of the abandoned property before the blaze.

The complaint said Eatmon handed Harper a piece of paper near the building.

It further alleged that the pair used 'a handheld ignition source' to set the paper alight before placing it inside the property.

The complaint said Harper and Eatmon fled the scene after the fire developed.

The abandoned property was destroyed. The blaze also reportedly caused more than $10,000 (£7,565) in damage to nearby Canaan United Methodist Church.

Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged fire.

Who Are Dakota Harper and Felicity Eatmon?

Harper and Eatmon had built a TikTok following before their arrests, with their joint account reported to have about 26,700 followers at the time.

Their social media presence has since brought additional attention to the case.

Harper's lawyer, Michael Carey, has sought his placement in a facility where he could receive care rather than remain in jail.

Carey was working to secure access to the resources Harper would need while in custody.

The request concerns Harper's care and custody and should not be interpreted as evidence relating to the criminal allegations.

What Happens Next for Dakota Harper?

The timeline is clear: the alleged fire occurred on 27 September, Harper and Eatmon were arrested on 29 September, and Harper appeared in court on 5 October, when his bond was doubled to $20,000 (£15,130).

Harper waived his preliminary hearing, while Eatmon did the same during her separate court appearance on 6 October.

The case remains before the West Virginia courts, with Harper facing charges of first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

If Harper posts the $20,000 (£15,130) bond, he would be placed on home confinement as a condition of his release.

The case has attracted attention online, but social media reaction is not a court finding.

Harper and Eatmon have not been convicted of the charges against them. The allegations contained in the criminal complaint remain unproven, and the case is ongoing.

For now, Harper's increased bond is the latest development in a case that has drawn attention online.