Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has announced criminal charges against a Clarion County woman and man.
ExploreJefferson.com says 26 year old Samantha Ferguson faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, false imprisonment, and other related charges following allegations that the defendants physically restrained their adopted daughter and endangered her well-being with unlawful punishment.
According to the published report, Ferguson allegedly punished one of her adopted daughters by keeping her in a utility closet with exposed electrical wires, piping and other sensitive household hardware that could pose a danger to children if left alone in the dark. The daughter is diagnosed with ADHD, yet it is alleged that Ferguson had taken her off her medication due to religious beliefs.
Her husband, 35 year old Joseph Ferguson, allegedly admitted to being aware of the details and allegedly agreeing to and witnessing the punishment administered to the victim by his wife.
Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for April 2, 2019, at 11:15 a.m. This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General.
