A Prairieville couple is behind bars after deputies say home surveillance captured a 14-year-old being forced face first into dog urine and dragged through it, with the teen also struck multiple times during the ordeal.
According to detectives with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, they went to the home on April 27 following a report from the Department of Children and Family Services and uncovered the footage while investigating. The video appears to show 44-year-old Gina Sagona pushing the teen's face into dog urine and dragging him along the floor while 45-year-old Mark Sagona stands nearby, WAFB reports.
Investigators say Gina Sagona later admitted to the abuse in an interview with detectives, and both suspects were taken to the Ascension Parish Jail. As WBRZ notes, Gina is facing one count of cruelty to a juvenile, while Mark is charged as a principal to cruelty to a juvenile.
Charges and Custody
Ascension Parish booking records show Gina Sagona was booked on April 27 and is being held on a $50,000 bond, while Mark Sagona was booked that same night and is being held on a $40,000 bond, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office inmate record for Gina and the inmate record for Mark. The records list both as awaiting arraignment.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office says the investigation is still underway and has not released details about how the juvenile is related to the suspects. Authorities also have not announced a schedule for additional filings or upcoming court hearings, according to KABB/Fox San Antonio.
If you suspect child abuse, you can contact the Department of Children and Family Services or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for confidential support. Ascension Parish deputies are asking anyone with additional information about this case to reach out to the sheriff's office as the investigation continues.
