Published: May 08, 2008 05:33 pm            

Charges pile up against mothers

Four charged in abuse case have first day in court

The two mothers accused of abusing their 4-year-old children were formally charged Thursday with eight felony battery and neglect charges, each alleging they beat their children and denied them medical treatment.

The women, Melissa Chandler, 30, and Jennifer Leonard, 28, originally faced one count each of neglect and aiding, inducing or causing battery in the case, which police called one of the worst abuse cases in recent history.

After reviewing the case, Howard County Prosecutor James Fleming added five charges of child neglect and battery.

Police arrested the mothers Monday after police found the children being badly abused and restrained inside their home at 1100 S. Home Ave. Donald Hawk, 33, and Madeline Hawk, 42, who also live in the residence, were also arrested.

All four suspects appeared before Superior Court 4 Judge George Hopkins Thursday via teleconferencing at the Howard County jail, where they were read the charges and possible punishment.

Leonard and Chandler face four C felony counts of neglect of a dependent, two B felony counts of neglect of a dependent and two B felony counts of battery.

The Hawks each were charged with two Class C felony counts of neglect of a dependent.

The neglect charges against all four allege the defendants placed the children in a situation that endangered their life or health by confining them with plastic “flex cuffs” and secured to objects in the residence. They also allege they left the children in soiled training diapers for long periods of time, which resulted in serious bodily injury.

The battery charges against Chandler and Leonard allege the mothers struck their children in the face with a paddle, whipped them with a metal spoon, pushed and hit them on several occasions.

The mothers’ actions resulted in red bumps on the children’s heads, open sores on their chins and ears, split lips, open bleeding sores on the buttocks and genital areas, the probable cause affidavit read.

At the hearing, all four suspects said they understood the charges, penalties and their rights. All four were appointed public defenders since none have a job or any viable income or property.

Hopkins entered not guilty pleas on their behalf and set pretrial hearings for June 27 and jury trials for all four for July 22.

Chandler is being held on a $60,000 bail, and Leonard a $30,000 bail.

Madeline Hawk’s bail is set at $30,000 and Donald Hawk’s is $15,000.

The mothers, who are sisters, lived with the Hawks, who rented the house.

Officers removed the children from their mothers Monday after a receiving a complaint. When police found the boy and girl, they were suffering from open wounds and broken bones. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment and will remain in the custody of the Department of Child Services.

During questioning, all four reported knowledge of physical and mental abuse against both children, “but tried to diminish their personal involvement,” police reports stated.

Chandler told detectives she has lived at the home with her daughter since February. Chandler also said she resided with the Hawks and Leonard at a residence in the 400 block of East Vaile Avenue from September 2007 to February.

She admitted that her daughter and Leonard’s son had been confined with the plastic ties and secured to objects in the home. Chandler also said her daughter was confined in restraints in a bedroom closet for three weeks for “potting training issues,” the probable cause affidavit read. She also said her daughter had been hit repeatedly in the face, genitals and buttocks with assorted kitchen spoons and paddles.

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com

        

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