Perkins couple charged with child abuse

Ashlynd Huffman, Stillwater NewsPress, Okla.

Apr. 7—Two foster care parents from Perkins who adopted three kids were arrested and charged with child abuse after one of the kids showed up to school with marks on his face and neck.

John and Brittany Edwards were charged with four counts of child abuse stemming from the allegations.

According to Perkins Officer Shane Dean, he was contacted by Amanda Gallagher from the Department of Human Services on March 23 because she received a referral. The affidavit said Gallagher had met with the child before contacting the police and observed marks on the child.

The affidavit said the child told Gallagher he got into trouble, and he was hit in the face with a belt by John, and shortly after this, Brittany choked him. Dean wrote the child demonstrated how Brittany choked him.

Dean and Gallagher met with the Edwards that same day and explained why they were there. The affidavit said they denied the allegations. The child was taken to the Saville Center for a medical exam by Brandi Watts, the SANE nurse.

"Brandi said there is evidence of strangulation and physical abuse consistent with what (the child) disclosed," Dean wrote in the affidavit.

The child disclosed similar abuse happening to his younger brother. Watts said she wanted to complete a Child Maltreatment Assessment on this child too. Watts said this child also had evidence of strangulation.

Dean said he then went to the Edwards' residence and placed them both under arrest for child abuse, and they were booked into the Payne County Jail.

Brittany and John posted bond on March 26 and are scheduled to be back in court on May 2 on the preliminary hearing docket.