In Kentucky, eight individuals residing together have been arrested due to a child abuse investigation involving seven victims. Authorities have revealed these defendants are facing multiple serious charges including criminal abuse, incest, rape, and human trafficking, according to a news release from the Richmond Police Department.
The arrests followed a collaborative investigation involving the police department, Child Protective Services, and the Department for Community-Based Services. These investigations led to criminal charges against multiple family members living in the same household. Seven minors, ranging in age from 1 to 17, have been placed into the care of Social Services.
A police department spokesperson shared with NBC News that bail amounts for each arrested individual range from $50,000 to $125,000. While the relationship between the arrested individuals remains unclear, they lived in the same residence, from which the children have now been removed. Attempts to obtain further comments from the police department were made, although responses to inquiries sent outside of regular business hours are still pending. Information regarding whether the individuals have legal representation wasn’t immediately available.
Charges Filed
The individuals charged in Richmond, Kentucky, and the specific allegations against them are:
- Christine Carter, 41: Charged with first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13 and first-degree criminal abuse.
- Johnna Carter, 21: Charged with first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13 and first-degree criminal abuse.
- Richard Carter, 45: Facing charges of first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, first-degree rape, and human trafficking.
- Sarah Carter, 28: Charged with first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, distribution of obscene matter, and incest.
- Matthew Brumbaugh, 30: Charged with incest.
- Mark Brumbaugh, 30: Facing charges of incest, first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, and third-degree sexual abuse.
- Green Schindler, 63: Charged with first-degree criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, incest, human trafficking, first-degree rape, and first-degree sodomy.
- Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21: Charged with first-degree criminal abuse.
All were booked into the Madison County Detention Center on October 8.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
The defendants are expected to appear in court on October 21 as part of the ongoing legal process. The Richmond Police Department has indicated the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
The public is encouraged to share any information related to the case with the Richmond Police Department.