Lawyer For Taylor County Couple Charged With Child Abuse Speaks Out

Written by Ashley Minelli Published on Thursday, July 19, 2012 06:24 PM. Posted in Local

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The attorney representing the Taylor County couple charged with multiple counts of child abuse, and false imprisonment is speaking out.

Just like his clients, attorney Kevin Bradley has strong beliefs. He calls Diana and Samuel Franklin good people.

"My impressions are this is a loving family, a family of deep religious faith," says Bradley.

The Franklin's reputation has now been challenged. The couple was arrested last week after a GBI investigation was launched in late May. Their adopted daughter was removed from their home after allegations surfaced that the couple locked their 15-year-old adopted daughter in a chicken coop.

"They're charged with, um, each charged with a number of counts of false imprisonment and child cruelty, arising out of allegations apparently made by the child," says Bradley.

Those allegations led to the search of this property. GBI Special Agent Wayne Smith told 41 NBC last week evidence collected throughout the investigation included hand-written material, a leather belt, and a canine shock collar.

Now, these items and witness testimony are being used to build a case against the Franklin's. Smith says the case is strong. Bradley says if this case moves into the courtroom, he believes the Franklin's name will be cleared.

"I believe that the evidence will exonerate them."