Honk News – A couple faces arrest for child abuse following accusations of physically assaulting multiple children in their residence over several years. An extensive investigation spanning several years outlines the allegations directed at Deborah Mainus and John Charles Gould.
Court documents reveal that one of the children reported being sexually abused by Mainus and subjected to “military-style” workouts as a form of punishment.
The child further claimed that Mainus would strike, suffocate, and physically assault them. In 2022, a concerned extended family member observed bruises on the child’s face and back, raising suspicions.
As the investigation progressed, another child reported to the police that Mainus’s punishments were excessively harsh.
The young one informed the authorities that they would need to endure standing on icy meat packages in the garage until their feet lost sensation. The documents further reveal that Mainus would strike the children with spoons, wooden paddles, and hangers, resulting in bruises.
The investigation revealed that when the Department of Human Services arrived at the residence, Mainus instructed the children on what to say and directed them to gather groceries to create the appearance of food being present in the home.
In addition to the reported mistreatment, one of the minors also informed authorities that Gould had made unwanted physical contact with them.
Gould and Mainus are confronted with multiple charges related to child abuse and sexual abuse involving a minor.