Couple charged in discipline case

Couple charged in discipline case

Child was allegedly bound to couch

Posted: Saturday, December 8, 2007 12:00 am

By STEVE RENSBERRY

Child was allegedly bound to couch

The parents of a 14-year-old Edwardsville girl have been accused of

unlawful restraint in a practice authorities said was used as a form

of discipline.

The two-count indictment, handed down Thursday by a Madison County

grand jury, accuses Stephen Rhoten, 51, and Kathy Rhoten, 48, of

Edwardsville, of using "plastic binding" to restrict their daughter's

movements.

The indictment states on one occasion she was bound to the leg of

a couch and on another she was bound to the arm of Stephen Rhoten.

The alleged incidents began on or about Jan. 1, 2006, the

indictment said.

Stephanee Smith of the Madison County State's Attorney's Office

confirmed Friday that more than one of the alleged incidents had

occurred.

"At this time we have no comment," said Stephen Rhoten, when

reached by telephone Friday.

Arrest warrants were issued Thursday for both defendants following

the indictment. Bail was set at $25,000 each.

As of Friday afternoon, neither defendant was in custody and no

additional information was available for release, a spokesman with

the Edwardsville Police Department said.

Both alleged acts are in violation of the Illinois Criminal Code's

prohibition against restraining someone without proper authority and

are considered Class 4 felonies.

Officials said there was no indication that the girl suffered any

physical injuries from the alleged incident.

Court records list an initial court appearance pertaining to the

offense as scheduled for June 30, 2008.

The girl is now in the custody of the Department of Child and

Family Services.