Corsica Couple Accused in Child Endangerment Case Sentenced to Probation
According to court documents, Senior Judge William H. White sentenced 27-year-old Samantha Ferguson and 35-year-oldJoseph Ferguson, both of Corsica, to 18 months of probation each, immediately after they each pleaded guilty to the following charge:
– False Imprisonment, Misdemeanor 2
As a result of the plea agreement, the following charges were dismissed:
- False Imprisonment of Minor/Parent, Felony 2 (two counts)
- Conspiracy – False Imprisonment of Minor/Parent, Felony 2
- Endangering Welfare of Children – Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Felony 3
- Corruption of Minors, Misdemeanor 1
The following conditions were also ordered for both individuals:
– Pay the costs of prosecution and supervision fee;
– Complete a parenting program approved by the Adult Probation Office;
– Continue the treatment for the two minor victims that they received from Brenda Manno; and
– Have a healthcare professional and fully comply with the directions of the physician concerning medications and therapy and treatment.
The charges were the result of an investigation initiated by a Childline report in October of 2018.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint filed on March 19, 2019, by the PA Office of Attorney General and PA State Police, the investigation revealed Samantha Ferguson allegedly punished one of her adopted daughters by keeping her in a utility closet with exposed electrical wires, piping, and other sensitive household hardware that could pose a danger to children if left alone in the dark. The young girl is diagnosed with ADHD, yet it is alleged that Samantha Ferguson had taken her off her medication due to religious beliefs.