Scott Co. couple accused of child abuse free on bond

Scott Co. couple accused of child abuse free on bond

August 4, 2004

By AMELIA GRAHAM

6 News Reporter

ONEIDA (WATE) -- A Scott County couple charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect are free on bond Wednesday, although their bonds were doubled during arraignment. [ couple charged ]

Scott County deputies arrested 44-year-old Aaron Mann and his wife, 56-year-old Linda Mann, on Monday night. Their bonds were raised Wednesday from $100,000 to $200,000 each.

The Manns and their five adopted children live in a large home in Oneida.

A neighbor, Joanie, who lives up the street from the Manns said on Monday night, the couple's 14-year-old daughter came to her door calling for help.

"I didn't know what to do 'cause I saw some of the places on her and I knew there was no way that she was going back to that house," Joanie said.

She says she then noticed a wound on the top of the girl's head and that's when she called police.

"It was a big place that was scabbed over and it just looked real bad, like someone grabbed her by the hair and pulled it out or someone hit her."

Detectives said at least one of the children was taken to the hospital. They haven't released details of the child's condition. But they said at the time, the charges against the couple were increased from child abuse to aggravated child abuse.

They also said their case centers on the 14--year-old girl.

The five children are in state custody. They range in age from nine to 14-years-old.

The investigations by the sheriff's department and the Department of Children's Services continue. Investigators are still conducting interviews.

According to the warrant, deputies who searched the Manns' home in Oneida found a lock on the refrigerator and locks on two closets that "could be used to confine children." Also in the report, investigators found what appeared to be blood spots on the storage room's lower level. And finally, investigators found a PVC pipe outside in the trash.

The Manns have retained the law firm of Sexton and Sexton. They met privately with attorneys after their arraignment.

Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 11th.