Two Wisconsin caregivers are behind bars after allegedly forcing a 9-year-old girl to routinely stay in a dog kennel, according to police.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office reports that Dale Deavers, 48, and Gail LaLonde, 47, were arrested on Thursday for abusing the child in a manner that Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said was one of the worst he’s seen.
“I was sickened at what I witnessed last night. This by far, is one of the most disturbing and heart-wrenching cases of child abuse I’ve seen, it doesn’t get much worse than this.”
Detectives arrived at a Norway, Wisconsin, home on Wednesday night, where they found a dog kennel in the living room, with blankets folded inside and a cardboard box underneath it, used as a makeshift bed for a little girl. During the investigation, authorities learned the suspects forced the child into the kennel throughout the day, made her sleep inside it at night, and padlocked it so she wouldn’t escape.
MEDIA RELEASESeptember 7, 2017TOWN OF NORWAY – On 9/6/17 at approximately 11:51 am the Racine County Sheriff’s…
Posted by Racine County Sheriffs Office on Thursday, September 7, 2017
“During the investigation, it was learned that 9-year-old juvenile was being held in a dog kennel at night and occasionally through the day,” said authorities. “Additionally, it was learned that the dog kennel was padlocked to prevent the child from escaping.”
Authorities reported that they removed the young girl, along with other children in the home and placed them in a safe environment.
The suspects were arrested and charged with false imprisonment, causing mental harm to a child, and numerous other felony charges. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Sheriff Christopher Schmaling at 262-930-7770.
[Feature Photo: Racine County Sheriff’s Office]
