Pike County, KY (Honk News) – A woman from Kentucky has been arrested following reports that a boy in her care exhibited signs of severe abuse, including a broken nose and chipped teeth, after being absent from school since the Christmas break, according to police.
Mary Hall, 42, has been charged with serious offenses including first-degree child abuse, kidnapping resulting in significant physical harm, and first-degree assault, according to records from the Pike County jail. A criminal complaint reveals that the boy returned to school for the first time since the Christmas break on Tuesday. Following the discovery of the injuries by school officials, law enforcement was notified and initiated an investigation.
The young boy allegedly informed the authorities that he was cycling while transporting some wood, yet he refrained from providing further details.
“Mary was asked about his nose and teeth. She stated that they’ve been packing wood and has been out playing. She said he could have done it in his sleep,” the complaint reportedly said.
However, additional indications of mistreatment were present. Authorities allegedly observed signs of malnutrition in him. The young boy informed the authorities that he tends to overindulge during meals at school.
“Today, he gorged himself until he got sick and vomited,” the complaint reportedly said.
Authorities discovered that the child was “not allowed to eat at home due to discipline.” According to the affidavit, Hall frequently prohibited him from eating at home if he chose to eat at school.
“[He] was able to have a piece of cake and pizza at school, and Mary stated that he will not receive dinner since he was given this at school,” cops wrote.
Authorities allegedly arrived at the residence and discovered that the room was secured from the outside, containing only a single mattress on the floor alongside a lamp. Authorities have indicated that his siblings showed no signs of malnutrition or abuse.
A child was removed from the residence and subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest, according to law enforcement. He was quickly taken to the hospital. Upon arrival, he was said to struggle with consuming solid foods. Medical professionals concluded that he exhibited indications of having been tortured.
Hall remains in custody at the Pike County Jail and has no option for bond.