West Virginia police arrested a woman on Monday after a child in handcuffs reportedly fled to a home alleging abuse.
A Charleston resident called the police about a girl wearing handcuffs coming to their home and claiming they were being abused and neglected. Officers responded to the girl’s residence and arrested Laura Southworth, 54, noting the home was very messy with items littering the floor, according to WCHS.
Southworth allegedly admitted to handcuffing the girl for making a mess, stealing and hiding food, and trying to leave the home without permission. She also claimed the girl was feces was smearing feces on the walls, according to WSAZ.
Authorities said the victim managed to slip the handcuff off her right wrist before she fled the home and got help. Detectives believe the girl was bound for 13 hours in handcuffs they described as very tight.
Southworth said in court that she has four children living with her, ranging in age from 3 to 16. The girl involved in Monday’s incident has not been publicly identified. The Charleston Gazette-Mail identified the girl as Southworth’s daughter, but subsequent reports state she is the granddaughter.
Southworth was charged with child abuse and unlawful restraint. Her bond is set at $10,000.
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[Feature Photo: Laura Southworth/Handout]
