Authorities recently detained a couple of on suspicion of child abuse and torture.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, on May 29, officers executed a search warrant at a property in the Norris Run area. They were looking into allegations of abuse involving many children.
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During the search, authorities discovered “confinement evidence,” including boxes, cages, and closets, as well as surveillance technology like cameras, audio devices, and soundproofing, according to WDBJ-TV.
Investigators apparently discovered symptoms of “nutritional neglect.” The fridge was allegedly empty or locked, the food had gone bad, and the kitchen storage was lockable. The children allegedly claimed that their parents kept the house hot and locked up food to prevent them from taking any.
WDBJ reported that the boys shared a cot and a pile of cushions in their room. The girl’s room reportedly contained water jugs and a padlock on the door.
According to WDBJ, the Blacksburg Police Department notified a social services worker in May about a 14-year-old girl at home who went to school with a battered and black eye. She allegedly informed a teacher that she was beaten for not cleaning a chicken coop properly. The youngster claimed that her mother, 42-year-old Rachel Wakefield, slapped her and her father, 48-year-old Terry Wakefield, hit her repeatedly.
The youngster reportedly told officials that she was occasionally held in solitary confinement. According to WDBJ, her boys were placed in “extended timeouts” that ranged from a few minutes to days.
The victims’ parents apparently refused to cooperate with the investigation, with Terry Wakefield allegedly shouting, playing loud music, and threatening to sue everyone involved.
According to WDBJ, investigators discovered previous contacts with child protective services in other jurisdictions, including North Carolina, where there was evidence of domestic abuse in the home.
The sheriff’s office arrested Rachel and Terry Wakefield on accusations of child torture, abuse/neglect, and domestic assault. They are still held without bond.
Authorities stated that all three youngsters are safe and have been placed in the foster care system.
