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Oklahoma Woman Arrested for Over a Decade of Alleged Child Abuse
A 60-year-old Oklahoma woman has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child abuse following allegations of physical and emotional mistreatment spanning more than a decade. Kimberly Ann Haley is accused of subjecting children in her care to starvation, forced labor, and severe punishment, including an attempted drowning.
Investigation and Charges
Haley was taken into custody on Monday and faces four felony counts of child abuse by injury, according to court records. The investigation began in June 2023 when five children disclosed their experiences to an Oklahoma Department of Human Services employee. The children described a harrowing environment of neglect and abuse under Haley’s care.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Haley claimed to provide a “therapeutic place” for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a condition linked to neglect and poor early relationships with caregivers. However, authorities found she had no formal training or licensing to work with such children.
Allegations of AbuseDetective Paul Holland of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office described the abusive conditions Haley allegedly imposed:
Forced Labor and Starvation: Children were reportedly denied food unless they completed chores. Haley allegedly locked the refrigerator and cabinets, preventing access to food.
Living Conditions: Children were forced to sleep on the floor without clothes or blankets as punishment. Others were made to live outdoors, relying on pond water and wild onions for sustenance.
Physical Violence: One child alleged Haley threw her into a bathtub, causing a head injury, and then attempted to drown her before another person intervened. Another child claimed Haley stabbed her in the knee for washing dishes improperly.
Other reports included children being forced to clean sewage with their bare hands and use buckets in place of a bathroom. Detective Holland noted there was only one functioning bathroom in the home, which the children were often denied access to.
The Victims’ Testimonies
One child recounted being denied basic hygiene and bathroom access at night. Others recalled Haley throwing food outside, only for animals to consume it before they could. These testimonies highlight the systemic and long-standing nature of the alleged abuse.
Current Status
Authorities confirmed Haley has not had children in her care for the past year. She is being held in the Tulsa County Jail on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
Community Outrage and Call for Justice
This case has sparked outrage among child welfare advocates, emphasizing the need for vigilance in monitoring individuals who claim to care for vulnerable children. The allegations underscore the importance of licensing and oversight in such arrangements.
Haley’s arrest marks a crucial step in seeking justice for the victims, who endured years of trauma under her care.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, don’t stay silent. Report it immediately to your local authorities or the Child help National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Your action could save a life and protect vulnerable children.
Share this story to raise awareness about the importance of proper oversight in child care arrangements. Together, we can prevent similar tragedies and ensure every child’s safety.
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