Ankeny couple caught on video abusing adopted child takes plea deal

LEE ROOD   | The Des Moines Register

An Ankeny man and woman caught on video abusing one of their nine adopted children have pleaded guilty to two counts each of child endangerment.

John and Joyce Bell could receive suspended sentences or up to two years behind bars for each of the aggravated misdemeanors.

The couple, ages 55 and 57, entered the pleas Friday and were scheduled to go to trial Monday on felony charges of child endangerment causing bodily injury.

The Bells' arrests came last July after Ankeny police turned over 68 police reports in response to a Reader's Watchdog probe into years of reported child abuse in the couple’s home.

Krystal Bell, the couple’s 21-year-old adopted daughter, questioned why the couple hadn’t been arrested after she provided authorities four expletive-laden videos depicting the couple physically abusing her adoptive brother. Krystal Bell also provided the videos to Watchdog.

One video turned over to Ankeny police showed John Bell and his 16-year-old mildly autistic son screaming and hitting each other in their living room. The teen wailed in a high pitch as his father restrained his flailing hands and then repeatedly hit the boy with the back of a hand and a fist.

“I will hit you in the f---ing mouth,” Bell threatened, rocking back and forth on the couch, clutching a knee and crying.

“I’ll kill you!” the boy screamed back.

Krystal Bell posted the videos on Facebook. Police were told about videos depicting child abuse at least as far back as March 2016, Ankeny police reports show.

Krystal Bell could not be reached Monday for comment.

The Bells adopted children with disabilities who ranged in age from 16 to 18, according to the couple’s 24-year-old adopted daughter, Makayla.

Several people, including Krystal and Makayla, told Watchdog before the arrests that they had reported ongoing abuse to state workers while the Bells, who were former foster parents, collected thousands in subsidies over the years.

Department of Human Services officials have said they will not comment on whether individual parents still receive foster and adoptive subsidies, citing confidentiality concerns.

Allegations of physical abuse against Joyce Bell caused the children to be temporarily removed in 2010, but no criminal charges were filed.

The videos shot by Krystal prompted DHS to remove two remaining teenage brothers, both adopted, after a July 12, 2017, child abuse call, according to the sisters and police reports.

A pre-sentence report will be completed before the sentencing hearing scheduled for June 21. The couple will not be eligible for deferred sentences under their plea agreements.

Victims will be allowed to make victim-impact statements.