http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sheriff-iowa-man-locked-kids-bedroom-day-25678976
An Iowa man is charged with locking his girlfriend's five children in a bedroom for more than 24 hours at a time without food or bathroom privileges. Authorities got calls of a domestic disturbance at a Westgate home Friday. Many said they found several children crying and yelling through a window for help. The children, ages 3 to 9, told investigators that their mother's boyfriend, Joshua Steinbronn, locked them inside the bedroom and that they couldn't eat or use the bathroom, so they had to urinate in cups, clothes, and diapers. The children's mother, Jonya Smith, said the allegations were "absolutely absurd" and that Steinbronn will contest them. She said she and Steinbronn locked the kids in their rooms for discipline and naps — but never for anywhere near 24 hours. Smith still has custody over her kids, but social workers check on the kids daily to make sure they're okay. Smith says that she'll continue to discipline her children how she sees fit. Steinbronn was charged with five counts of false imprisonment, and five counts of child endangerment. He's also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after deputies found a glass tube and a scale that both tested positive for methamphetamine. The judge told Steinbronn that he is to have no contact with the children, even if he isn't the father. Two others renting a room at the home — a 22-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man — were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
I don't think locking up innocent angels in a bedroom for 24 hours is the right thing to do as a parent and saying that's your way of "disciplining your kids." What really got to me was that Smith took her boyfriend's side. Aren't children honest and always tell the truth? She obviously isn't dating a man fit to be near children. I just hope the children continue to fight on and are able to have a safe haven rather than be surrounded by people involved with drugs and a mother who doesn't put her children first.
There are a lot of parents out there that don't really know the correct way to discipline their children. In this case, he shouldn't have even attempted to discipline the children since he isn't their father. Having drugs in the home isn't right either. I really hope the kids get a safer home to live in.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this is something that's actually happened.... Of course we hear stories but it's rare that something this horrible happens. I hope this is never seen or heard of again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible thing to do to children as well as your girlfriend! I agree with Ashton.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Muscari 6th period