Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Indiana Couple Faces Charges for Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect
An Indiana couple is under investigation for severe allegations of neglect involving their 10-year-old son. Melody Rose Greenwood, 38, and Adam Jon Greenwood, 36, have been preliminarily charged in connection with reported acts of physical and emotional abuse that have left the child in a distressing condition.
The situation came to light when the child was taken to Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital for a medical examination, where findings indicated signs of “nutritional” neglect, according to the Muncie Police. The police later confirmed the involvement of local authorities following the revelation of the boy’s condition.
Details of the Allegations
The Indiana Department of Child Services is currently investigating the case and has reportedly interviewed the boy’s seven siblings. They disclosed that the child was frequently restricted to eating only canned foods such as beans, tomatoes, and soup, while the rest of the family consumed regular meals, including cheeseburgers and fast food.
The victim endured harsh treatÂments, including being made to stand against a wall for up to 12 hours each day. During this time, a towel was often placed over his head to prevent him from watching television. Furthermore, siblings were allegedly instructed to physically assault him if he uttered a word or attempted to move from his designated spot.
In another alarming report, the child recounted incidents where his mother used zip ties as a means of restraint. He described experiencing pain from the tight bindings and mentioned a specific incident where his hands were zip-tied behind his back while he was sent to bed, remaining restrained throughout the night.
Observations made by a responding officer noted “scars and marks on his wrists” that were consistent with those inflicted by restraints, adding further credence to the child’s accounts of abuse.
Educational Neglect
In addition to the physical abuse, reports suggest that education within the household was severely lacking. The couple’s older children were reportedly the primary educators for their younger siblings, and the homeschooling efforts were described as minimal, limited to reviewing three chapters of a book each day while the parents were away at work.
The Greenwoods have since been released on bond following their preliminary charges. Melody Greenwood was charged with three counts of neglect of a dependent and released on a $15,000 bond, whereas Adam Jon Greenwood faces two counts of neglect of a dependent and was released on a $10,000 bond.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman’s office is currently assessing the situation to determine if formal charges will be filed against the couple as the investigation unfolds.
Source
www.foxnews.com