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Hero teen's video exposes brutal child abuse ring
9 May
Summary
- Mother and boyfriend indicted on charges of child abuse and strangulation.
- Homeschooled children's abuse went unnoticed for years until a teen recorded it.
- Alleged torture of children was severe, prosecutor fears a child could have died.
In Montgomery County, a mother and her boyfriend face serious charges following allegations of severe child abuse against seven children. Stephanas Golden, 40, and Heather Pippen, 35, were indicted by a grand jury on Friday. Golden faces seven counts of child endangering, two of strangulation, and resisting arrest, while Pippen faces two child endangering charges, one of strangulation, and obstructing official business.
Authorities suspect the abuse persisted for years, with the children being homeschooled, which may have aided in concealing the mistreatment. The investigation gained momentum when a 15-year-old girl recorded the abuse on video last month, later shared on social media. This courageous act alerted investigators to the alleged torture, which Prosecutor Mat Heck described as "unimaginable" and "nothing short of sadistic."
Family members expressed pride in the young girl's actions and gratitude for the community's support. The family plans to provide therapeutic services, camps, and after-school programs for the children's recovery. Golden and Pippen are currently held in Montgomery County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
