The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A North Carolina couple is facing charges after the authorities alleged that they beat their 6-year-old daughter with a wooden paddle on several occasions.
It was reported that a speech therapist in Cleveland County was working with a 6-year-old girl when she noticed the child had bruises on her buttocks.
The child lives with her parents in Vale, and a social worker visited the residence to talk to the couple about the situation. While she was there, she saw a large wooden paddle with holes drilled in it, and she took a picture. She also photographed the bruising on the child.
According to reports, the social worker found video evidence of the girl being hit with the paddle on several occasions.
On May 12, the Cleveland County Department of Social Services contacted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and reported that they had reason to believe the girl was being abused in her home.
A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy went to the residence to follow up on the report. While at the home, the deputy reportedly saw the video captured by the security camera, and they believed that it confirmed that the youngster’s parents were physically abusing her.
On May 17, the 39-year-old mother was taken into custody on suspicion of felony child abuse involving any serious injury. She was later released from custody on an unsecured bond.
The girl’s father, 38, was arrested for the same charge of felony child abuse involving any serious injury, and he was later released on a $7,500 secured bond.
It was reported that the girl and her 5-year-old brother have been sent to stay with a family member in another state.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.