A Cleveland County couple is facing child abuse and neglect charges after sheriff’s deputies say their children were severely underweight, physically abused, and punished with forced exercise and exertion. Patricia Gwaltney and Dustin Gwaltney were arrested following the allegations, and one of them remains behind bars on a six-figure bond.
Deputies Detail Pattern Of Abuse And Starvation
Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the couple following allegations of severe child abuse and neglect, according to KOKH. Investigators say the couple’s children experienced physical abuse and were significantly underweight for their age and height, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office also says the couple restricted food for the children and used physical exercise and exertion as a form of punishment.
Patricia Gwaltney faces seven counts of child abuse and two counts of child neglect, the station’s report notes. Dustin Gwaltney has been charged with one count of child abuse. Patricia Gwaltney is being held at the Cleveland County Detention Center with bond set at $250,000, per the same account.
Sheriff Calls Allegations Truly Disturbing
Cleveland County Sheriff Darrell Weaver described the case as truly disturbing, and said that protecting children and holding those responsible accountable are top priorities for his office. The allegations outlined by deputies have not been presented as a finalized court outcome, and the case remains in the early stages of the legal process.
Oklahoma law, under Title 10A of the state’s Children and Juvenile Code, establishes a statewide centralized hotline for reporting child abuse or neglect and spells out hotline requirements, reporting obligations, and protections against employer retaliation for those who report, according to the Oklahoma Legislature. People who suspect child abuse are encouraged to call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.
