Barreto report: More children, more love

By Patsy R. Brumfield

NEW ALBANY – A psychological evaluation of Janet Barretos suggests why she wanted to adopt seven foreign-born infants within a short time span.

“She believed that the more children she had,” wrote Dr. Louis Masur III, “the more love she could give and get.

“She felt that she was compensating for not being loved as a child.”

Janet and Ramon Barreto of Union County are accused of responsibility in the manslaughter death of their 2-year-old adopted daughter, Enna, at the hands of Janet’s biological child, Marainna Torres, on May 17, 2008.

They also are charged with multiple counts of child endangerment and abuse in the rearing of seven other adoptive children, most 2-3 years old when Enna died.

They pleaded not guilty to all charges and are awaiting developments in their case, which has not been set for trial.

But Torres pleaded guilty July 2 to manslaughter by culpable negligence. She has not been sentenced.

Masur of Baldwyn examined Barreto at Farese’s request.

In his five-page Dec. 31 report, Masur said Barreto reported “serious abuse” by her first two husbands, her first marriage at age 14 and the second at 19.

Nine years later, she and Barreto married and she said they have been happy. She also reported a family history of depression and other mental illness.

The psychologist noted that Barreto’s weight, which has ranged from 300 to 500 pounds, and diabetes may affect her mental status.

Contact Patsy Brumfield at (662) 678-1596 or patsy.brumfield@djournal.com