Making their 13 and 11 year old adopted daughters run barefoot across hot asphalt, forcing them to spend the night in the backyard in a tent with only a bucket for a toilet, and starving them to the point of malnutrition. These are just some of the allegations being made against a couple in Peoria, Arizona.
The couple actually has a total of 4 adopted daughters. They range in age from as young as 7 to as old as 13. For some reason, the younger two girls were typically spared any abuse. Most of the charges against the adoptive parents involved abuses committed to the older girls. The parents at one point, called a behavioral health provider asking for help with the 13 year old girl. They described the girl as defiant and devious.
But when the caseworker showed up to the home, she immediately contacted the police. Police reports indicate that the oldest daughter was so malnourished and emaciated she resembled what they described as a “concentration camp survivor.” Her injuries included the “leathering of the skin on her buttocks” and “calloused and blistered feet” according to Child Protective Services.
Interviews with the 2 older girls included tales of spending days on end without clothes while living in a tent in the backyard. They were forced to memorize bible versus or face severe beatings with a wooden paddle.
In Arizona, child abuse charges are considered some of the most serious types of criminal cases. The penalties can be severe depending on the particular crime being charged. Some of these crimes include:
- Physical Abuse
- Neglect
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Exploitation
- Emotional Abuse
- Abandonment
- Child Molestation
A conviction for any form of child abuse in Arizona can result in imprisonment, fines, loss of custody, loss of visitation rights, lifetime sex offender registration, and more. If you are facing these charges or believe that you are under investigation contact Charlie Naegle at Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys. It is extremely important to address these charges from the beginning of the investigation to ensure the best possible results. Charlie Naegle will take the time to thoroughly investigate and evaluate all the evidence against you.
According to reports, only a very small percentage of child abuse cases are successfully prosecuted. Many are considered unsubstantiated or false in their accusations. This is why it is so important to have an attorney on your side will fight for you. If you or someone you know is facing child abuse charges, contact Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys today.