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Published on December 27, 2024
Indiana Nightmare as Elderly Couple Faces Over 120 Charges in Child Molestation and Human Trafficking OrdealSource: Morgan County Sheriff's Office

An Indiana couple is facing a shocking array of over 120 charges combined for their alleged criminal activities involving child molestation, human trafficking, and neglect. The accused, Brian and Sonja Stafford, both 60, are alleged to have committed a series of crimes against children that have spanned roughly a 13-year period, as reported by FOX59.

Brian Stafford is confronted with 59 counts, which include allegations of child molesting, promotion of human trafficking, and neglect of a dependent. Sonja Stafford faces a similarly severe indictment of 62 counts, implicating her in offenses ranging from neglect of a dependent to human labor trafficking, and strangulation. Court documents uncovered by WISH-TV suggest the pair utilized methods such as strangulation, punching, slapping, and deprivation of necessities like food and clothing to compel the children to work.

Adding to the disturbing narrative, the couple is also accused of forcing the young victims to lie to the Department of Child Services (DCS) about the abuse and molestation they were subjected to underneath their roof, threatening them with violence and separation should they fail to comply. According to details from WTHR, the Staffords had their initial hearings yesterday, where orders preventing contact with 11 victims were issued.

The alleged atrocities took place in Morgan County, roughly 30 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis. The specifics of the victims' relationships to the Staffords have not been disclosed, and many aspects of the case remain sealed. Brian Stafford's bond is notably set at $200,000 property/surety plus $80,000 cash, with a potential sentence exceeding 300 years, while Sonja's bond is requested at $300,000 property/surety and $100,000 cash. As of the latest reports by WISH-TV, both are scheduled to appear in court again in March, with a jury trial penciled in for June 3, though such dates are often subject to change in Indiana courts.

More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses and the judicial process unfolds.