Thursday, March 3, 2011

Dad charged with child abuse; mom now has "temporary custody" (Enid, Oklahoma)

First problem. Headline wrong. It ain't a random "man." It's a dad--in this case BENJAMIN REAVIS WILLIAMS. A very relevant part of this story that is not clarified until the 3rd paragraph. Second problem. This story is written in a very confusing way. Notice that Mom now has "temporary custody" of the children. Does that mean Daddy had custody before? If so, why? And what judge gave it to him?

http://enidnews.com/localnews/x415198158/Enid-man-charged-with-child-abuse

Enid man charged with child abuse
By Cass Rains, Staff Writer
Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Wed Mar 02, 2011, 08:34 PM CST

ENID — An Enid man has been charged with a single felony count of child abuse.

Benjamin Reavis Williams, 31, faces up to life in prison, a year in county jail and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000, if convicted.

According to the charges, Williams is accused of making his son stand in a corner between June 2009 and Jan. 3 wearing soiled underwear on his head.

Enid police were contacted Oct. 12, 2010, by the boy’s mother in reference to a child abuse incident, according to an affidavit. She told police she had obtained temporary custody of her children and they disclosed some disturbing information.

A forensic interview was conducted Oct. 27, 2010, by Kim Will at the Child Advocacy Center in Deland, Fla.

During the interview, the boy told Will when he soiled his underwear his father would put the underwear on his head over his ears and make him sit in the corner until his wife came home.

When the boy’s sister was interviewed, she also said Williams would make the boy sit in the corner with soiled underwear on his head, according to the affidavit. She said when William’s wife would come home the boy was allowed to get up and take a shower.

During an interview Nov. 17, 2010, Williams denied ever making the boy wear soiled underwear on his head.

On Jan. 3, during an interview with William’s wife, the woman said they used to have a problem with the boy soiling his underwear, according to the affidavit.

She said they had tried several disciplinary measures but none worked. She said one day, about a year and half ago, Williams took the boy’s underwear and put them on his head, according to the affidavit.

Williams is free on $10,000 bond and was arraigned on the charge Tuesday. He is ordered to return to court April 4 for a bond appearance.