In Oklahoma, 40-year-old Johnny James and his girlfriend, 42-year-old Kayla Clark, were apprehended for child abuse after James reportedly tied his 15-year-old daughter to a tree. The couple face charges of abuse and neglect, according to PEOPLE.
On July 28, Washington County deputies went to a home in Vera, Oklahoma, about 25 miles north of Tulsa, following a report of child abuse, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime. A woman informed officials that a 15-year-old girl was tied up in the backyard and needed medical attention for a hole in her leg and lesions on her arms. The unnamed bystander reported that the girl had been there for three days, during which she snuck her food. The girl and her relatives were visiting from Texas. When deputies arrived, they discovered the teen sitting on a piece of carpet next to a red shed as well as a chicken coop, leaning over with a bandage on her leg and a
“ratchet-style tie-down strap around her. “
James allegedly informed police that he tied his daughter to a tree as punishment for her indoor bathroom issues, thinking it would prevent the problem. He also reportedly punished her because she wanted to live with her mother.
Clark acknowledged knowing about the situation but claimed she was too
“frazzled”
to report James’ actions.
James and Clark are in jail in Washington County with a $500,000 bond, awaiting a court date on Aug. 9. The injured teenager was taken to a hospital, and DHS will take custody of her.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
