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Abuse cases

This archive contains cases of abuse of children within the child placement system.

Some of the these children have been killed, other's survived but suffered from:

In several cases the abuse was hidden from authorities under the pretext of homeschooling.

For an overview of abuse cases by location, see this map.

To make this list as complete as possible we can use your help. If you know of cases not covered, or know of articles not listed with the cases, please subscribe to this group and help maintain this section of the website or send links and articles to this mail address.

Anthony Bars



4-year old boy adopted by L.B. and Latricia Bars, died of dehydration. He was also starved and had a head injury and a broken collar bone.
Date: 2002-01-19
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Placement

Organizations: Indiana Department of Child Services, Indiana Family and Social Services (Denise Moore)

Location

Indianapolis, Indiana
United States
See map: Google Maps

Ariel Ariza (aka Ariel James Mitchell), and L.M. in care of Rev. James Mitchell

At least 2 teen-aged boys brought to Vancouver, WA, from Colombia by Catholic priest James Mitchell. He promised them U.S. citizenship via adoption and then subjected them to years of sexual abuse. At least 4 boys lived with Mitchell over the years. Ariel and L.M. have alleged sexual abuse. Ariel was told he was adopted by Mitchell, but was only granted  US visa. It is unclear if the boys were ever legally adopted.
Date: 1982-01-01
Placement type: To be adopted
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Vancouver, Washington
United States
See map: Google Maps

Austin and Edward Bryant

  Austin (left) Edward (right)
Two brothers, adopted by Edward and Linda Bryant, both went missing. Edward (age 9 at the time) disappeared in 2001. Austin (age 7 at the time) disappeared in 2003. One of the boys was reportedly denied food, spanked, forced to run up and down stairs and rolled up tightly in blankets as punishment. Bryants reported they were advised to roll the children in blankets "like a burrito" by a Colorado therapist.

The Bryant's moved to Texas in 2005 and never declared the boys missing. They kept receiving adoption subsidies for the remainder of the decade, grossing in $175,000. They were arrested early 2011.
Date: 2011-01-22
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Location

Monument, Colorado
United States
See map: Google Maps

Austin James Watkins

  Almost 5 year old boy starved to death while he and his 2 sibs were in foster care with his grandmother, Janice Mowdy, and aunt, Stephanie Bell. Austin Watkins was only 19 lbs when he died, and had not eaten in 2 weeks. The 3 other children in the home (sibs 9 & 6, 2 yr cousin Bell) were given adequate nutrition. Mowdy and Bell both pleaded guilty and got life without parole.
Date: 2008-11-09
Placement type: Foster care
Type of abuse: Lethal neglect, Lethal deprivation
Abuser: Other family member

Placement

Organizations: Mississippi DHS

Location

lena, Mississippi
United States
See map: Google Maps

Baby Girl in foster case with Wilson Lee Tubbs III

5 month old girl died after being abused by Wilson Lee Tubbs III, aka Josh Tubbs. She had 2 skull fractures and numerous bruises after being in the home about 5 weeks. Tubbs' wife was related to the baby girl's parents
Date: 2012-12-02
Placement type: Foster care
Type of abuse: Lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Foster father

Location

Fort Bragg, California
United States
See map: Google Maps

Benjamin Yhip

Benjamin Yhip - Taiwan

2-year-old boy adopted from Taiwan along with his twin brother by Dr. James Peter Yhip and Edelyn Magakat Yhip was killed by blunt force trauma to his head. Previously the boy had been hospitalized for malnutrition and broken bones.  Their daughter was adopted from China.
Both parents were arrested on suspicion of murder with Edelyn believed to have caused the head trauma.
Date: 2012-04-18
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Chico, California
United States
See map: Google Maps

Bethany Loerke

Bethany Loerke was adopted from foster care at age 5 along with her younger bio sister. Sexual abuse by her adoptive father Dr. James Loerke began almost immediately and continued until Bethany told her adoptive mother when she was nearly 11.  James Loerke pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual molestation and was sentenced to 20 years, which was later reduced to 15 years.

At 20 years old, Bethany chose to waive her anonymity to help other victims, and to help others understand the connection between childhood trauma and later juvenile delinquency.
Date: 2012-04-22
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Tulsa, Oklahoma
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Alona and Rodger Hartwig

9-year-old boy, adopted by Alona and Rodger Hartwig was hospitalized for more than a month with burns and other severe injuries allegedly inflicted by his adoptive parents. H e was beaten, thrown into a creek, fed formula to keep off weight and often made to sleep without a blanket on a porch at the family’s Blachly home.
Date: 2010-06-03
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Placement

Location

Blachly, Oregon
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Angel and Osanna Bravo

3-year-old boy, adopted by Angel and Osanna Bravo was found unconscious in a bathroom, requiring immediate surgery for a skull fracture and brain bleeding. The adoptive parents were arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of child abuse.
Date: 2011-04-25
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Scottdale, Arizona
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Brandon and Desiree Antle

3-year-old boy adopted by Brandon and Desiree Antle was physically abused by his adoptive father. The boy suffered a bump and laceration requiring stitches on the forehead in one incident and bruises on the face, neck, back and buttocks in the other.
Date: 2010-06-23
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Hutchinson, Kansas
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Christy Mae Pensinger

5-year-old boy adopted by Christy Mae Pensinger was allegedly pushed down a flight of stairs and depriving of food by his adoptive mother.
Date:
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal neglect
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

Hollsopple, Pennsylvania
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Claude Edward Foulk

For over a decade a boy adopted by Claude Edward Foulk, was allegedly sexually abused by his adoptive father. Faulk allegedly abused five other children, while working at a mental facilities in Southern California.
Date: 2010-02-24
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Long Beach, California
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by couple from Colorado Springs

11-year-old boy, one of 5 adopted by a couple from Colorado Springs, was forced to spend days and nights in a small room beneath stairs with only a wool blanket and bucket in which to relieve himself.  When he wasn't confined to that space, he was forced to masturbate in front of siblings, do calisthenics in the nude, wear a dog shock collar, and he was forced to eat his meals on the floor while the rest of the family dined at the table.

On good days, the adopted boy lived in a sparse basement day room, kept separate from the rest of the family.

According to the adoptive mother, she followed suggested therapies for his attachment disorder, such as employing reverse psychology and making him earn his meals and play time through good behavior.

She said one unlicensed therapist, Deborah Hage of Silverthorne, told her to put the boy in the space beneath the stairs when he was bad.

Hage wouldn't comment on the case and said she was "never the family therapist."

Prosecutors didn't seek felony convictions in this case because they could not prove the child suffered serious physical injury.

Date: 2001-09-11
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Attachment Therapy

Persons: Deborah Hage

Location

Colorado Springs, Colorado
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by couple in Manitoba

14-year-old boy, adopted by a couple from Manitoba, Canada, killed both his adoptive mother and his adoptive sister with a rifle. The boy claimed years of abuse prior to the shooting.
Date: 2007-08-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

St Lazara, Manitoba
Canada
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Deidra Harris

4-year-old boy adopted from foster care by Deirdra Harris was beaten with a belt all over his body by his adoptive mother. Harris had been investigated twice for child abuse. 
Date: 2011-02-15
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Placement

Location

Orlando, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Donald Shissler

14-year-old boy was adopted from foster care by Donald Shissler with the intent to sexually abuse him. At least two other boys were also abused by Shissler, who made sexual explicit photos and videos of the boys while engaging in sexual activity. Shissler was a former Episcopalian priest, high school teacher, and foster parent.
Date: 2002-05-31
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse, Sexual exploitation
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Denver, Colorado
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Douglas John Burnham

In the 1970's a 9-year-old boy was adopted by Douglas Burnham and molested for years. Burnham was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse in 1983 and received probation. Burnham continued to molest children and in March 2011 was sentenced to 12 1/2 years.
Date: 1983-01-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Placement

Organizations: Oregon Department of Human Services, (child welfare agency)

Location

Milwaukie, Oregon
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Earl and Diane Fletcher

All four children of  Earl and  Diane Fletcher, of which one adopted, were physically abused.
Date: 2009-03-04
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Price Township, Pennsylvania
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Frank M. Lombard and Kenneth Shipp

5-year-old boy, adopted by Frank M. Lombard and his partner Kenneth Shipp was allegedly sexually abused by his adoptive father, Lombard. In a sting operation by Washington DC, Metropolitan Police Department, Lombard was arrested offering his adopted son for sexual exploitation over the internet. There was a 2nd child in the household. Shipp may have been unaware of the abuse.
Date: 2009-06-24
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse, Sexual exploitation
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Durham, North Carolina
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by George Alex Allen

16-year-old boy adopted by a former supervisor for the Administration for Children's Services and his wife, was sexually abused by his adoptive father.
Date: 1998-11-26
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Brooklyn, New York
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by James and Linda Ramaglia

19-year-old mentally disabled boy adopted by James and Linda Ramaglia was sexually abused by his adoptive father, who was a convicted sex offender and who had served four-and-a-half years in prison for molesting two of his other children.
Date: 2009-08-24
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Attleboro, Massachusetts
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Jane and Timothy Cochran (Kuzma)

4-year-old boy from Taganrog, Rostov, Russia, adopted by Jane and Timothy Cochran. The boy had severe bruising, cuts from head to toe. He'd been beaten by hand and with a wooden spoon and had been cut with scissors. Allegedly he was beaten because he couldn't say his prayers properly. Jane confessed her crimes to her Catholic priest prior to being arrested.
Date: 2006-02-03
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Placement

Organizations: an agency accredited by Russia

Location

Alfred, New York
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Jay Ram (Gary Winnick)

A boy adopted at age 10 from California in 1983 by Jay Ram (aka Gary Winnick) was later sexually, physically and psychologically abused while living on the Big Island. The boy was isolated on a farm and required to work. Ram had at least 6 boys (5 adopted and 1 foster) in 1993. He also had 3 adult sons, unclear of bio/adopted status.
Tehama County California had investigated physical abuse allegations in mid 1980's. A visiting boy reported sexual abuse in 1992.
Jay Ram worked for the Tropical Rural and Island/Atoll Development Experiment Station (TRIADES) and later Agrinom. He is believed to have moved to Saipan.
Date: 1985-01-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Economic exploitation
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Hakalau, Hawaii
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Jennie Malak

18 month old boy, adopted from Guatemala, shaken 6 weeks after arriving in his new home by his mother Jennie D. Malak, an LPN. His adoptive father was not charged. The parents are estranged. The boy is now living at home with his adoptive father, where he is still recovering from various physical and neurological injuries.

Jennie or Jeannie Malak had been treated for psychiatric disorders for several years prior to the adoption. Malaks presented a forged letter from her doctor attesting that she was mentally fit to adopt the children.
Date: 2001-07-17
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

Hyde Park, New York
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Jennifer Louise Barnes

10-year-old boy, adopted by Jennifer Louise Barnes was sexually tortured by his adoptive mother, burning his penis with a lighter and sodomizing him with a toothbrush, forcing dog feces into his mouth and taping it shut using duct tape.
Date: 2010-05-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

Gilbert, Arizona
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Jeremiah Lovato

A 15-year-old boy adopted by single-father Jeremiah Lovato, was repeatedly beaten with a 2-by-2 piece of lumber and suffered long time physical abuse. After the boy's school suspected abuse, his father decided to "home school him".
Date: 2010-01-08
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father
Home schooling: yes

Location

Cimarron Hills, Colorado
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Joe Hunt

Boy of 7 was sexually abused by his adoptive father continuously until he was 13 years old in the late 1970s and 1980s. Adopted father Joseph L. Hunt was a police officer, scout leader, and coach. Hunt admitted to the abuse, pled guilt and was sentenced to 41 months in jail. Joe Hunt was married and there were at least 2 other girl children in the home.
Date: 2011-09-09
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Kathlyn Anthony

6-year-old boy adopted from foster care by Kathlyn Anthony was forced to sleep in a plastic dog crate. Connecticut Department of Children and Families investigated previous allegations of abuse, but wasn't able to substantiate those.
Date: 2011-03-07
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

Old Saybrook, Connecticut
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Lori Wiley-Drones and Edward Drones

A boy adopted from foster care by Edward and Lori Drones had all but $15 of his $830,000 trust fund spent by his adoptive parents in the 12 months after they gained control of the funds. They adopted the previously abused boy at age 11 and successfully sued the State of Alaska on his behalf a few years later.
Date: 2010-01-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Economic exploitation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Anchorage, Alaska
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Mary Lou and Bernard Bauer

A boy adopted from Vietnam was sexually abused by his adopted sister from India. The girl had been sexually abused prior to her adoption. The Bauers had 14 internationally adopted children.
Date: 1985-00-00
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adopted sibling

Location

Hampton, Minnesota
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Matthew and Amy Sweeney (Daniil Kruchin)

8-year-old boy adopted from Tula, Russia in June 2006 by Matthew and Amy Sweeney was allegedly systematically abused by his adoptive parents.
Date: 2012-07-19
Placement type: Adoption
Institution: Novomoskovsk Baby Home (Tula Oblast #3)
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Placement

Organizations: Child of the Heart

Location

Bristow, Virginia
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Michael and Pat Awada

15 year old boy adopted in Bulgaria, was taken to hospital after being hit with a chair for being out on his bicycle too long. Michael Esau Awada was charged. Patricia Anderson Awada was not charged. Charges were dropped in exchange for counseling.
Date: 2003-05-03
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Eagan, Minnesota
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Mona and Russell Hauer

8 year old boy adopted along with 2 siblings was beaten and fed a liquid only diet by Russell and Mona Hauer. He weighed 35 lbs, the size of a 4 year old. His bones were protruding and he had a swollen belly. Prior to adoption, the Hauers were advised he had suffered trauma and should be provided therapy. He was normal weight at that time. Less than 2 months outside the home, the boy had gained 15 lbs and 2 inches in height.
Date: 2012-11-06
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Placement

Organizations: likely Nicollet County Social Services or Le Sueur County Human Services

Location

North Mankato, Minnesota
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Peter and Deedra Mitchell

6-year-old boy adopted by Peter and Deedra Mitchell was being starved, handcuffed and locked a basement.
Date: 2004-09-04
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Location

Kansas City, Missouri
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Randal and Christine Arnold

6-year-old boy adopted by Randal and Christine Arnold was beaten, pushed down the stairs,  and starved, to the point that the boy only weighed 30 pounds. At age three the boy had weighed 31 pounds. He had starvation induced lanugo hair growth. Upon examination doctors also found various straight line, u-shaped and horseshoe type markings across the boys body consistent with the buckle of a belt found at the house.

Christine Arnold was found guilty and sentenced to 22 years. Randal Arnold was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years.
Date: 2010-09-17
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Placement

Organizations: Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Jefferson County Children's Services

Location

Littleton, Colorado
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Raymond and Lisa Sangraw

Eight year old boy was scalded in bathwater. His adoptive parents waited six weeks before seeking treatment for him.
Date: 2007-02-17
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Lethal neglect
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Green Bay, Wisconsin
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Ronald and Tammy White

16-year-old boy adopted by Ronald and Tammy White was forced by his adoptive father to drink a gallon of water, causing his organs to shut down. The boy was regularly beaten and locked in a room without access to a bathroom.
Date: 2011-07-14
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father
Disabilities: yes

Location

Spring Hill, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Ruben and Jacqueline Lerma

13 year old boy was beaten with a belt by his adoptive mother Jacqueline Anne Lerma. She was sentenced to four years imprisonment.
Date: 2008-07-11
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother

Location

Victorville, California
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Scott and Catherine Kanani Nelson

7-year-old Samoan boy adopted together with his 3-year-old from sister by Scott and Catherine Kanani Nelson was malnourished, suffered from frostbite and several other injuries. As a form of punishment he was forced to sleep in his underwear in a shed during subzero temperatures. The boy wanted to return to his home in Samoa.
The family had been featured on a Discovery Health Channel's "Adoption Stories" episode from July 4, 2003, Adoption in March 2003
Date: 2004-04-08
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal neglect, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Placement

Organizations: "an out-of-state private agency"

Location

Roy, Utah
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Scott Legrand

17-year-old former foster child was sexually abused by his adoptive father, who was a Devereux Florida state-contracted foster care facility worker
Date: 2008-02-08
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Orange County, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Stephen Pratt

12 year old boy brought from the Dominican Republic in 1983 was sexually abused by Stephen Pratt. the adoption was finalized in the US in 1986. Investigators also found evidence of child pornography in the home. Outcome of the case is unknown.
Date: 1983-11-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father

Location

Jersey City, New Jersey
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Steven and Mikelann Renwick

6 year old boy only allowed in the house for meals, was beaten with switches, and had to sleep in the laundry room with the dogs. He was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries to his head, legs and body, after beng in the home about 1 1/2 years. Three other children in the home were adopted as infants. Mikelann Renwick is a Worship & Creative Arts Pastor of a Holiness church.
Date: 2010-08-18
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes
Fundamentalist faith: yes

Location

Tavares, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Tai-Ling Gigliotti

16 year old boy adopted at age 4 in Taiwan by his biological aunt Tai-Ling (Han) Gigliotti. She beat him for at least 3 years ending in 2009 when he escaped from the home after he was beat with a board and a hose. His arm was broken; he was covered with bruises and lacerations.
Date: 2009-02-11
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Location

Spring Hill, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Tamara and Jeffrey LeFevre

17-year-old boy adopted by Jeffrey and Tamara LeFevre was made to live outside without adequate water and toilet facilities and being struck on the back, buttocks and/or legs with a belt, wooden spoon and/or spatula.
Date: 2008-01-22
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Eagar, Arizona
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Tammy Renea Andrews

10-year-old boy adopted by Tammy Renea Andrews was allegedly tortured by his adoptive mother. The boy was repeatedly hit with the fist, a small baseball bat and a hammer. He was hog tied, and his tongue was pinched with a staple puller.

Tammy Andrews took the boy out of school to homeschool him.
Date: 2010-02-24
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Location

Safford, Arizona
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by Walter and Beverly Watts

12-year-old boy, adopted three years before by Walter and Beverly Watts, was found wandering the streets in his pajamas with bruises on his abdomen, back and at the back of his legs. Allegedly his adoptive parents had beaten him frequently and had taped his mouth to prevent others from hearing his screams.
Date: 2010-06-27
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Port St. Lucie, Florida
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted by William Delos Peckenpaugh

9 year old boy, adopted from Ramnicu-Sarat, Buzau, Romania, had been sexually abused by his adopter William Delos Peckenpaugh who also video taped the assaults. William "Bill" Peckenpaugh was a nudist and had several articles and websites advocating nudism and children.
Date: 2004-12-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse, Sexual exploitation
Abuser: Adoptive father

Placement

Post placement

Organizations: Lisa Lewis Cavallo

Location

Silverton, Oregon
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy adopted in Katz family

12-year-old boy was sexually abused for 6 years by Jaime Katz, a family member of the people that adopted the boy.
Date: 2008-05-16
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Sexual abuse
Abuser: Other family member

Location

New York, New York
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy and girl adopted by Maureen and Michael Culhane

3 and 5 year old learning disabled children adopted in 2001 from Latvia were locked in a room by themselves for 4 hours while the Irish-born immigrant parents went shopping. The home was filthy and determined to be uninhabitable. Both parents were convicted.
The parents had a criminal record from 2000 for locking an 87 year old woman in a home.
Date: 2002-10-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal neglect
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother

Location

Montvale, New Jersey
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boy and girl adopted by Richard and Christine Dodson

4 year old girl and 5 year old girl adopted by Richard and Christine Dodson were abused by their adopters. The girl's leg and arms were broken and the boy was being starved and beaten. Both children were home-schooled.
Date: 1995-07-01
Placement type: Adoption
Type of abuse: Non-lethal physical abuse, Non-lethal deprivation
Abuser: Adoptive father, Adoptive mother
Home schooling: yes

Placement

Organizations: Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services

Location

Round Rock, Texas
United States
See map: Google Maps
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