Dad accused of using hangers, nails on sons (Owasso, Oklahoma)

Dad is identified as LEE THAO. No mention of a mother in the home. Is there one?

http://www.ktul.com/story/22611914/owasso-father-accused-of-using-hangers-nails-on-sons

Owasso Father Accused of Using Hangers, Nails on Sons
Posted: Jun 17, 2013 1:55 PM EDT Updated: Jun 17, 2013 2:15 PM EDT

An Owasso father was arrested over the weekend for reportedly using clothes hangers and nails on his children as tools for punishment.

Owasso Police arrested Lee Thao and booked him on one complaint of child abuse by a caretaker last Friday. He was taken into custody at his house near the 13900 block of E. 83rd St. North.

According to the booking report, officers were called to Thao's residence after numerous complaints were made of banging noises and children screaming. When one of the officers arrived at the apartment they found Thao "very nervous and quickly answered everything was fine."

Thao's two sons could be seen from the doorway and reportedly had red, watery eyes and had been crying. "I could also see what appeared to be recent injuries (welts) on each of the boys' arms."

Upon further investigation inside the apartment, the officer was told by the children that they had just gotten in trouble for fighting. Both boys told him that in addition to Thao using plastic hangers, he slapped them in the face as well.

At the apartment the officer retrieved the hangers Thao used and a nail he would use to poke the children "up and down the forearm," according to the release. He also used a toy shotgun and a phone charger wire during their punishment.

Thao is now being held on $25,000 bond and due in court next week.