A teenager testified in court about the mistreatment she and her siblings endured at the hands of their adoptive parents, leading to the arrest of the couple. The adoptive parents, who are accused of multiple felony counts including forced labor and gross child neglect, allegedly subjected the children to harsh living conditions and physical abuse.
The teenager described being forced to sleep on the floor, use buckets as toilets, and endure verbal and physical abuse on a daily basis. The children were reportedly made to stand for hours, with restrictions on basic activities like eating and bathing. The adoptive mother allegedly used racially derogatory language and favored the youngest child over the others.
Financial records revealed that the couple received a substantial amount of child assistance from the state of Minnesota. The children were also reportedly made to perform hard labor tasks on the family farm, with limited access to proper food, hygiene, and education.
Neighbors alerted authorities when they witnessed one of the children being locked in a shed, leading to the arrest of the adoptive parents. The children were subsequently placed under the care of Child Protective Services.
The teenager's testimony shed light on the extreme conditions the siblings endured, including being isolated, deprived of basic necessities, and subjected to demeaning treatment. The trial continues as more details of the alleged abuse are brought to light.
