Teen tied to bed escapes from home; family members indicted, police say
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) - A mother, stepfather and grandfather are indicted on charges in connection with the alleged abuse of a teen after police say she escaped her family’s home and sought help at a nearby business.
James Evans is accused of tying his teenage stepdaughter to her bed on Aug. 16 because the family feared she would run away, Fairfield police say the suspect claimed.
He is heard on a recording from an officer’s bodycam explaining that he used zip ties to hook the teen to a bed and wrapped a ratchet strap around her feet to ensure the teen could not leave her bed.
“They admitted to it,” said Fairfield Police Sgt. Brandon McCroskey. “I mean, they if anything tried to explain why they did what they did.”
James Evans spelled out to the officer why he tied the teen to her bed.
James Evans: She [stepdaughter] threatened to kill us. Oh, I got it on video.
Officer: Did you call us last night?
James Evans: No, we were trying to get her back in to see her counselor.
Fairfield Township Police say the teen’s mother, Sarah Evans, would allegedly cut her free from the bed but that was only to use the bathroom.
Once the teen relieved herself, her mother allegedly tied her back down to the bed.
James Evans: She [stepdaughter] had a kitchen knife, and I woke up with her standing above my head, and I got her.
Officer: And you didn’t call the police for that?
James Evans: No, I haven’t been.
Police say the teen managed to escape the house and ran to a nearby business where an employee called for help.
The teen had injuries to her eyes, neck, and wrists, and burns on her palms, according to police.
They were severe enough for first responders to take her to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Liberty Township for treatment.
“If you’re a parent or guardian and you’re aware that a child in your custody is being abused, and you do nothing, you could easily be subjected to criminal liability and be charged for that,” explained Sgt. McCroskey. “I’ve had a couple cases myself where that’s occurred, this being one of them.”
The child’s grandfather, Robert Evans, was also indicted on charges Wednesday for knowing the alleged criminal activity took place, according to police.
Between James Evans, Sarah Evans and Robert Evans, the trio is facing a total of 14 charges, 13 of which are felonies, related to abduction and child endangering. James alone was indicted on six charges, according to police.
At this time, it is unclear if the alleged abuse happened on more than one occasion.
The teen is now in the care of children’s services. Police say other children were removed from the Evans’ home as well.
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