A couple in Oklahoma has been arrested after a man’s daughter was reportedly found tied to a tree with a hole in her leg. The shocking discovery was made between a chicken coop and a shed, according to authorities.
Witnesses reported that the girl had been tied up for days, and they had been sneaking her food. The teenager, her father Johnny James, and his girlfriend Kayla Clark, were visiting from Texas when the incident occurred.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting child abuse, claiming a 15-year-old girl was tied up in the backyard and had “a hole in her leg” and “lesions on her arms.” The girl had reportedly been tied up for three days, via The Independent.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found the girl sitting on a piece of carpet with a “ratchet-style tie-down strap around her.” She also had a bandage below her knee. According to the affidavit, James, 40, explained that the girl was tied up because “she cannot be trusted and likes to lie.”
“Johnny explained the times she is left outside was to go to the store or church this morning due to her peeing and pooping on herself and not wanting it inside so they sat her outside that way there is no mess,” the affidavit stated. “When Johnny was asked, he stated this was the only option to keep her restrained because he did not know what else to do to help her.”
James later admitted to authorities that he “sees now he will need to figure out another solution.”
Kayla Clark, James’ girlfriend, who was present at the scene, admitted she was aware of the abuse but felt “frazzled” by the situation.
Both James and Clark were charged with child abuse and neglect. James’ bond was set at $500,000.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about how such severe abuse could go unnoticed. The teenager is now in the care of authorities, and the investigation into her treatment and living conditions continues.
This disturbing incident highlights the importance of vigilance and community intervention in preventing child abuse. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information about similar cases to come forward to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.