UPDATE:Bond set at $350,000 for couple suspected in daughter's death

UPDATE:Bond set at $350,000 for couple suspected in daughter's death

5/22/2008 5:48:18 PM
BY DANZA JOHNSON
Daily Journal

NEW ALBANY - Bond was set at $350,000 apiece Thursday for Ramon and Janet Barreto, the Union County couple charged with child endangerment.

The Barretos are charged with seven counts of child endangerment, one of which may have led to the death of their 2-year-old daughter, Enna Barreto. A preliminary autopsy report showed the child died early Monday as a result of a blow to the head.

The bond was set in Justice Court, with $50,000 for each count.

Union County Sheriff Tommy Wilhite said the Barretos told investigators that the child suffered the head injury when she fell out of a shopping cart at a Memphis grocery store. It wasn't until a few hours later, when the couple had returned to New Albany, that the child was taken after the alleged shopping cart incident that the child was taken to the New Albany hospital where she was then airlifted to Le Bonheur Hospital in Memphis.

"We have not confirmed if that story was true or not, but that's what the mother told us happened," said Wilhite. "We are still working on the investigation."

Tony Farese, the Barreto's attorney, said his clients had nothing to do with Enna's death.

District Attorney Ben Creekmore filed a motion to deny bond for the Barettos. Farese said that motion will be answered next week.

Enna was one of seven Guatemalan children adopted by the Barretos.

While executing a search warrant in connection with the child's death, a massive puppy breeding operation was discovered at the Barretos home at 824 County Road 87 near New Albany.

Nearly 200 dogs and 25 cats were found crammed into 67 cages behind the home. The puppies were being sold through online classified ads on sites like Usfreeads.com.

Animal cruelty charges are also expected to be filed against the couple.