Notice that we have mention of dad GERALD SWINEHART and his "girlfriend"--but NO MENTION of this child's mother. What happened to Mom? Why does it not even occur to any reporter to ask this question in these cases? Did Daddy have custody? What?
http://www.inquisitr.com/651533/zip-tied-4-year-old-bound-to-baby-gate/
Zip-Tied 4-Year-Old Bound To Baby Gate, Kicked By Father
Posted: May 7, 2013
A zip-tied 4-year-old was reportedly kicked by her father after she was bound to a baby gate.
North Carolina authorities explained that 26-year-old Gerald Swinehart secured his daughter to a safety gate with plastic ties before striking her in the face. Police said the little girl was struck with such force that her bottom teeth busted through her bottom lip.
Swinehart is believed to have zip-tied the 4-year-old before heading off to Florida with his girlfriend. The father is now facing charges of intentional child abuse inflicting serious physical injury.
Wake County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cruden said Swinehart’s girlfriend took the child to a hospital for treatment before heading off to Florida. They checked the little girl in using a fake name.
Although the couple fled to Florida, they were eventually apprehended by police. Cruden explained that 28-year-old Marlaine Coffey was also charged with intentional child abuse inflicting serious physical injury. She is being held under a $50,000 bond, while Swinehart is in custody under a $100,000 bond. It’s unclear at moment if either party has attorneys.
It’s believed that the incident involving the zip-tied 4-year-old occurred earlier this year. Authorities explained that the child was taken into the custody of North Carolina social services on March 31. The condition of the little girl is currently unknown as of this writing.
A judge explained that he intends to keep track of Swinehart should he make bond. It’s believed that the father will be required to wear an ankle bracelet while he’s under house arrest.
While it’s unclear just how long the couple will spend behind bars if they are found guilty of the child abuse charges against them, it’s currently believed they could do serious time.