Dad arrested for abusing five kids (Fort Myers, Florida)

Dad is identified as RICHARD FERO.

http://www.cheboygannews.com/article/20141017/NEWS/141019218

Father, husband arrested in Florida

By Tribune staff

Posted Oct. 17, 2014 @ 12:01 am

Fort Myers, Fla.

 A family from Northern Michigan that was believed to be in danger has been located in Florida, and the husband has been arrested and charged with felonious assault and child abuse. Richard Fero was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Department Fugitive Team in Fort Meyers, Fla., at 4:30 a.m. this morning at a relative's home. He was taken into custody without incident. His wife, Shavon, and their five children were with him. The children were taken into protective custody and arrangements will be made to transport the children back to Cheboygan. Law enforcement officials have been looking for the Feros after Shavon contacted police on Oct. 11 and reported that her children, ages 1 year-to-12 years of age, were being physically and verbally abused by her husband. After interviewing the children and determining there may be evidence of abuse, police arranged to provide Shavon and the children with access to a safe house and Shavon opted to drive herself and the children there. Deputies spoke with Richard Fero at the couple's home after interviewing the children, and he denied any allegations of child abuse. But on Sunday, Oct. 12, the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department learned that Shavon and her five children did not arrive at the safe home. Deputies investigated further and discovered that Shavon had been in contact with her husband and had decided to reunite with him instead. Police believed she voluntarily met up with Richard Fero and they had left the state to avoid court action regarding their children. Police contacted other jurisdictions, issued a national Be On the Look Out, listing the children as endangered and involved the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in attempting to locate the family. A warrant was issued on Richard Fero for felonious assault and child abuse with regards to the children before he was arrested. Although they have been located, police say the involvement of Shavon is still under investigation. Richard will be arraigned in Florida and have the opportunity to waive or fight extradition. Once that process is complete, he will be extradited back to Michigan on the charges issued by the Cheboygan County Prosecutor.