Walworth County couple faces 17 charges including child abuse

By Michelle Richards

ELKHORN - There are disturbing allegations of child abuse against a couple in Walworth County.

Kathleen and Martin O'Brien each face 17 counts for allegedly abusing their six children, who range in age from 12 to 19 years old.

Four of the children were adopted.

According to the criminal complaint, the abuse happened between 2004 and 2011 in the town of Bloomfield.

The complaint says the couple used pepper spray on the children, punched, choked and even stabbed one child in the hand.

They also allegedly forced the children to stand naked and kneel in sharp rocks as punishment.

Authorities say they found notebooks in the home that detailed the punishments.