Verden woman accused of child abuse faces preliminary hearing today

James Bright

VERDEN — A preliminary trial for a Verden woman accused of abusing her adopted children was held today in the Grady County Courthouse.

Carol Schmidt (65) allegedly put five children of varying ages through physical and mental harm.

She could face up to life in prison.

"We are seeking jail time and the kids will be here to testify," Grady County Assistant Attorney Leah Edwards said. "We will see if we can allow them to testify on closed circuit television."

Although multiple incidents are sited, Edwards said the prosecution rolled the charged into one count of child abuse by injury.

Despite her age Edwards said the crimes are gruesome enough to warrant jail time.

"Given the facts and the circumstances jail time seems fair," Edwards said.

Schmidt is accused of multiple criminal actions including grabbing a teenage girl by the inside of her mouth and pulling a young boy by his genitals.

If no plea bargain is reached Schmidt will most likely face trial in December.