He was crying. He said, "Can you help me? My mom, this is me. I need help." She's going to come off me. I till I finish those strollers. She said it was okay. >> What about your other hand? Looks a little swollen. >> I did have a but it was just a back corner real quick. You're being detained. Okay. >> Okay. >> What is the truth behind this story? Join us as we look into Ohio and Oklahoma to uncover lesserk known aspects of what family can mean. Just because some chores were left unfinished, a 12-year-old boy had to face an unexpected [Music] >> electric. >> On July 24th, 2024, Columbus police in Ohio received a call about a 12-year-old boy mistreated by his mother for not finishing chores. They quickly arrived at the scene to investigate and take witness statements. >> Hey, I'm Lisa. >> I'm Jason. Nice to meet you. >> Nice to meet you. >> Can you explain what happened? Sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I I live in this neighborhood. I was off for a walk and he planned riding up to me super fast and he stopped and he was crying and he's like, "Can you help me? My mom uses me. I need help. She's going to come off of me and I looked at his back and I'm like, "Oh my god." I'm like, "Yeah, come with me." So kind of hiding, called the police. He's been talking to me. I've been asking questions. I used to be a probation officer. So understand his mother, >> he's single parent. Yep. >> Babysits kids in her home. >> So that's scary. Won't let him eat unless he does his chores. She hasn't eaten since last night. Been abusing her for years. She smokes weed and other drinks in the house. She acts crazy, you know. Her name is Stephanie Miller. >> Okay. >> She has a sister in Sarville named Sierra. >> Um, no dad. Um, but he's pretty he's pretty open. He's he finally he finally he wear long sleeve shirts to football practice. He's like, I'm just >> I'll talk with him. What was your name? Lisa Gio said I spoke with you and I'll be happy to stay with him. No problem. You know, they told you to do it. >> Get the phone number for you. The one you call. >> All right. >> Police approached the 12-year-old sitting nearby, but he appeared hesitant and uneasy, still seeming afraid to share the truth. >> What was caused by an extension? >> And what was the last time this happened? >> Yesterday, I think they did. >> All right. Why don't you talk to your officer here? But >> hey, I'm Jason. What was your answer? >> Hey, I'm sorry to hear about what's going on. >> Yeah. >> How long has this been going on? >> 6 years almost. >> Okay. >> Since like six. >> Yeah. Really young. >> Okay. I got you. [Music] >> We're here to help. What we're going to try and do is try to figure out what's going on. Okay. Forgive me. I just got here. It sounds like you've already explained what's going on to her and it sounds a little bit to the medics as well. I do have to ask a couple of questions though. Does that make sense? It's probably going to be the some of the same questions I see as the same questions I as. Does that make sense though? So, really quick, from what they've told me, it sounds like is it your mom got your hands hurting? It sounds as though she has you a couple of times with extension and other things and that's what caused these on your arm and your back. Is that correct? >> And the last time that this happened was today or last night. >> And so, you left because you didn't want to get where do you live? Can I ask? >> It's okay. Hey, no worries at all. We're going to try and figure out that correct address and then we're going to go from there. Does that make sense? Okay. Okay. So, really quick, I want to let you know you aren't going to have to deal with her for the rest of the day. Okay. We're going to figure out what we can do for you from there, but you don't have to deal with it for the rest of the day. Okay. Really quick, is there a family member in the area that we can get you to that you feel safe with? >> That's okay. I know this is a lot, so take your time. Okay. >> Nope. She's not going to come at all. She's not going to come near you for the time being. Okay. And you don't got to worry about that right now. >> It might be her sister. >> Okay. Do you know? So, is it your aunt? >> Yeah. >> Is your aunt's aware of what's been going on? >> No. >> No one is. >> Okay. We're going to try and make contact with your aunt and see if she's okay with you staying with her. Uh, and we're going to go from there. Okay. >> After calming him, authorities noticed signs that raise concern for his well-being. And they quickly contacted his aunt to take him to a safe place. >> No worries at all. We can figure that out for you in a second. Really quick, you said your mom's name was Thank you very much. I appreciate it. My first concern is making sure you're okay. There are some what looks like open wounds on your I don't know if you guys want to do anything with that. >> What I see I say just let us take him down to children's. Let them evaluate him. We can see what's going >> Yeah. Let me let me uh really quick before you leave. This is going to sound a little strange, but I am going to get a couple photos of your back if you're okay with that. Does that make sense? >> Okay. Would you be okay if you did that to the medic so that more private completely okay? We're going to do that and then we're going to go from there. Does that make sense? >> You guys will secure bike. >> We'll make it work. Yep. We'll make sure that that's safe for you. Really quick, is there anybody else in the house other than your mom? >> There is um dogs. We have four. >> Okay. >> Miniature chocolate. We have nine puppies. Okay. >> No, five puppies. Okay. >> And nine in total. >> Okay. Yeah. No worries at all. Thank you very much. We're going to get you in the back of medical real quick. They're going to start looking at some of that stuff. I'll get a couple quick photos. We are going to transport you to uh what's called children. And so what they're going to do is they're just going to be able to address some of those concerns for you. Do you by chance know your aunt's name? You said that she lives in. >> Gotcha. Do you have a phone number or an address by chance? >> No worries at all, man. Is she older or younger than your sister? >> She's younger. >> Younger. Gotcha. Okay. I appreciate you. We're going to get you the back to medic. We're going to keep going from there. Okay. Yeah, of course you can. >> The boy was taken to a medical vehicle for care. At this point, the truth became clearer. The mother had used disciplinary methods that authorities determined were harmful and unsafe. >> What's the blood pressure looking like? >> Really quick, doing great. Uh, I am going to ask if I can get some of those photos really quick. Thank you very much, sir. Make sure you hang on a sec. I'll step around. When she does this, it's with an it's with electrical >> things like plenty of stuff. It's been a metal thing that you would hang about TVs with a m lots of different things or Yeah. All types of stuff >> like wooden um like utensils and metal utensils and stuff like that. When I was speaking with the lady who called us, she was saying that you hadn't eaten in a while as well. Is that correct? >> I haven't eaten since yesterday. Last night? Yeah. >> Since last night? >> Yeah. >> Gotcha. And is that common that your mom won't let you eat for extended periods of time? >> No, it's after I finish my chores. I have like morning tours and then I have like 12:00 middle of the day chores and then nighttime tours. normally do my chores like letting the dogs out and taking the trash in the morning and sometimes I have entry stores and I can't eat till I finish those tours and I had just started doing my chores so I haven't ate yet since yesterday. >> Okay, I got you. Okay, I appreciate you talking with me. >> With the evidence collected, police took the mother into custody. >> Hi, are you Mrs. Tiffany Miller by chance? >> Hi, we just spoke with >> Yeah, he shot in his bed. >> Okay. Um, >> go ahead. >> Where's he at? What's going on? So, he was a couple streets over. He was requesting that someone call the cops because of some of the injuries he sustained. >> I got you. By all means, you can do the parenting that you see fit. The uh the hard part is is he has openes on his back and and scars from where you've where you've lashed him. And so, you are going to be currently under arrest. Okay. Go ahead and drop what's in your hands. Put your hands behind your back for me, please. Yes, ma'am. I am serious. >> Yes, ma'am. Go ahead and drop what's in your hands, please. >> Give me Hold on a second. Yeah, we can put all this back in your car. Yeah. >> Do I need my ID or anything? >> I will grab your ID really quick if that's okay with you. Is there anything else that needs to go? Is there a reason you have a steak in your purse? >> It's for protection. I go hiking and stuff. >> Okay, that's fine. You would you like this stuff in your car? You said do you want your keys with you or your wallet? >> I'm under arrest. >> Yes, ma'am. You are. >> Can I call my sister to get him or like >> Yeah, that's fine. Do >> you have a handcuff key? >> I lost my phone. I need my phone cuz my sister number in my phone. >> That's completely okay. I'm going to take I'm going to I'm going to take out. Other than that, this entire thing can go with you if you'd like. >> You can throw the away. It's for hiking when >> No, I understand. I'm just going to put it in your car for you if that's okay. Is it unlocked? >> No, it's okay. Can you just lock my door? And >> is the window down? >> You can throw it away. It's just an >> No, no, I understand. I'm more secure with secure in your car at this point in your house. >> That's what I'm saying. Can you lock my car door? And can you um phone calls for cuz I need to like have somebody come get my dog. >> I understand. We can make We can have those. Yep. We can have those phone calls. >> Phone numbers memorized. >> Okay. Say say again. I'm sorry. >> Yes, ma'am. At the very least, you're being charged with assault, if not more. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yes. You can't someone like that. Is there anything else I missed? Cuz they're going to catch it at the jail. If there's anything else, I need you to be charged with it. >> I don't. We'll walk back here. Walk to the car. He's at the hospital. >> As the Miranda rights were read, police explained the related procedures. From there, the story gradually unfolded. >> All right, I'm going to read you something. Have any questions? Tell me after. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him or her present with you while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand your rights as I've explained them to you? >> Yes. >> Having these rights in mind, are you willing to answer my questions now? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. So, I'm going to go talk to this officer over here and then we're going to go from there, right? Okay. >> All right. So, I got your bike. We can either leave it here. Do you have your phone? Is it in your in your back pocket? >> It's in my back pocket. >> Okay. I'm going to reach back there and get it for you. There we go. Um, so it's going to go to with your property to the jail. Okay. So, as far as your bike, we can either leave it here, but we have to secure it. >> Can I write down some numbers out my phone? >> So, we'll get to that in a minute. But first off, my question. What are we doing about the bike? Are we going to put it in the house or are we taking it to our PD? You can put it right there on the porch or the back porch. >> The back porch. >> Sure. >> Okay. All right. >> You said you have to write down numbers, name it back. >> Okay. >> And who is this in relation to your son? >> My sister. His aunt. >> His aunt. Okay. >> She could pick him up from the hospital. >> Any other numbers you'd like written down? >> Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, can you type in >> All right. Would you like me to lock your phone now or like turn it off or put on airplane mode so you have a charge when you get out? >> Yeah. I got a question. So, like if I get a bail, how can somebody pay my bill? >> They can pay cash or card and they can pay that either at Beaver Creek or at the jail. >> What's today's date? >> Today's the 27th ma'am of July. >> Do you know when I might get out? Cuz I got on my phone. >> Today's Saturday. So, you're going to get out probably Monday cuz you're going to be seen Monday. Does that make sense? >> Can I write down? >> I already I already turned the phone off, ma'am. >> Okay. The mother acknowledged using disciplinary actions that were deemed inappropriate and harmful. When asked about older, she denied responsibility, something that did not align with the boy's initial statement. >> Sorry, I did go too far. He hid the I usually wouldn't with a I never him this bad. So, I I probably did go a little too far with disappointing him, but I didn't realize he had any any um like you said, he had open rooms or something. I didn't realize he had that. And I just looked up and I noticed he had left, you know. So I was going I was about to leave and go look for him. He got in trouble and he got his PlayStation to look at his phone. >> Okay. What he did to get in trouble? >> He wasn't doing his chores and he was playing on his game instead of >> Okay, I got you. >> I'm sorry. >> Hey, things happened. Um, now there was some previous on him. What was that from? >> He's an active kid. He climbed trees and we hiked. I mean, he was running. I mean, it was all around his body, so don't lie to me. Okay. >> He got in trouble for like acting up. >> Okay. Is this a repetitive thing? >> He's been acting up since me and my ex broke up in February. >> Is this something he's going through or is it like >> been acting up really badly? Running away, going all the way to the neighborhood over by the hospital without permission. Like sewing. >> Mhm. >> I mean, he's just been acting up. Even his grades in school. Um, I'm just worried about him. like is someone at the hospital with him? >> Yes. So, the medics are at the hospital with him right now. We're trying to get your his aunt, your sister, to go pick him up. Now, I will advise you we are going to call child protective services. Okay. I don't know if he told you that or not. >> No. >> Um but that that's the game plan right now. I just want you to be aware of that. Um >> we're not going to put him in foster care or >> That's not up to us. You know, >> he can't he can't go to my sister or my dad or my aunt's house. >> Okay. >> I don't want him going to distract me. And just for clarification, when you say you um hit him with a a before, is that >> Usually I with a So this time I didn't have a cuz he hit it. So I used the extension for it. >> Okay. How'd you use that? >> I with it. >> Okay. Like >> notably, she also claimed that disciplining her child this way was legal. >> And it's towards that wall, please. >> Manny say in the car, you said that you were dating a police officer and that police officer told you what? She said it was okay to him. She started with him first. We worked together since he was seven. >> I got you. >> We just broke up this year. >> I got you. >> So you're you're allowed to issue corporal. You are not allowed to do that for your drawing and leaving the right. >> Miss Miller, you are mandated to show up to court on the 29th of this month at 11:00 at Fairmore Courts. Do you understand? Okay. A copy of this will be put in your in your uh in your purse for you as well as those numbers you asked me to write down. Write down those numbers for you and the names. I'll put them right next to your phone with this copy. Okay. >> The mother was taken into custody and faced legal consequences under Ohio law. This story is a reminder that timely observation, intervention, and cooperation with authorities can be crucial to a child's safety. Sometimes a single decisive action from someone nearby can save a life. if you think it was over. In another family, children had to face deep caused by items meant only for household tasks. >> When I my kids, I don't go, I'm just going to you until you know you can't save them. Now, >> on March 19th, 2025, Dell City police received a report about a father who had been the subject of previous complaints, was accused of using a household item in a way that caused concern for his daughter's safety. Officers quickly arrived at the scene to investigate and clarify the case. You need my >> Yeah. Where they at? Were they fighting? >> Did somebody fighting? >> No. >> No. People were fighting in here. >> Here? No. >> Yeah. Somebody accidentally get their hand with a hammer or something like that. >> Here. No. Why? >> That's just what somebody called and said. Who else is here with you? >> Oh, my daughter. >> Can she come out here? >> Kellyanne. >> Hey, what's going on? Nothing. Okay. Your hand hurt or anything? >> She's got a rash on her hand. >> What about your other hand? Looks a little swollen. Bruce, what happened? >> Well, Dad, will you go have a talk with my partner over here? And >> given the seriousness, police separated the father and children to take statements. >> Tell me what's going on. I don't know. Got a phone go from who? >> I don't know. >> Listen. Listen. He's not. >> I can tell you're upset. >> You have to be You have to be honest with me, okay? So I can help. >> Yeah. Come over, boss. One more. >> All right. something talking to her. Did anything happen today? >> Nothing. We've been cleaning the house. We were arguing, but we were just >> Nobody. >> Okay. Hand. >> No, I was uh my hand and then we were talking and then uh I had I had a I did have a but it was just the back of that. >> You did you hit her with it? >> I with it. Yeah. >> In the face or the butt? >> No, just her her wrist. >> Okay. After collecting enough evidence and testimony, the father was placed under police supervision, he immediately began offering excuses for his actions. >> What? >> Yeah. Well, in the back of it, my back corner real quick, you're being detained. Okay. >> Okay. >> Cuz I asked you what happened and you said nothing happened like that and now you're saying, >> "No, we were we were fight. We were arguing in the kitchen." >> But when I ask you what's going on and you act like you have no idea and you're like, "Oh, I hate and now all of a sudden you're like, "Oh, yeah. Yeah, I know. I accidentally hit her hand with a hand." >> No. So, no. Come on. Come on now. Right. I was a police officer. I get I get it. Okay. >> Where were you? Police officer at Woka. >> Okay. This is what happened. So, you know that you know that cops get lied to all the time, right? >> I know. I'm I'm I'm trying to assess. This is what happened. We were arguing this morning. Did mom here? >> My mom's not here. No. No. >> No. Her? >> No. I'm good. >> We were in the kitchen. >> Okay. We were got into an argument. We kept fighting. So, I had a hammer and I on the wrist with the butt of the That was it. We discussed it. We had a talk. We apologized. We We all fought everything and then continue cleaning the house. >> Is that usually how you discipline your kids with? >> I didn't hit her with the butt of the ice I is completely different when your daughter's hand is up and up. >> Well, like I said, the other part was she has a rash. >> That's not a rash. Okay. >> Again, I understand you're a police officer, but at the same time, I do this every day. >> I got it. I agree with you. >> I was born tonight, but I wasn't born last night. >> Medical. >> Yeah. I the rest with with with the butt of the the hat and that was it. >> 94ers. You can also show one detain. I mean it wasn't wasn't too >> you sure >> right here. >> Right. But >> I just on the rest. >> Okay. >> So all right. >> Hey Neil LT we open up your truck. I'm just going to put you in the back. Okay. Again. You're not under arrest or anything like that. Okay. You're just being detained. >> I got How long were you cop when we woke up? >> Oh, about a year and a half. >> Inside, police also worked to reassure the children. At the same time, medical staff arrived to check the daughter's health. >> Your hand right here. Right here. >> That's my house. All right. Take them inside. You got a cell phone. >> It's okay. >> You got a phone? >> It's okay. Everything's okay. I promise. How can you call mom? >> I know her phone number. >> You know her number? >> Is that phone in the house? >> We're just We're just going to talk to daddy. Okay. >> So, show me how we heard it. All right. Show them. We got >> Where'd you get that at? >> Right here. >> Oh, right here. Where'd you get hit at? See it? You're going to check it out. Just want to make sure you're okay. Just right there or anywhere else? >> What's up? [Applause] >> Would you say that? He said she had a rash. I don't It didn't look like a rash. It's obviously got some bruising. >> Uh yeah, I mean it looks like she got especially the little one or the middle one. And then she said that she said that uh she got today and the one of the guys today, but the little one didn't, but he said she said these have been going on for like over a year. >> And so he he has the little one before, but um as far as it being a rash. >> Yeah. Like I get disappointing your kids, but any of your kids whatever is uh far from disappointing. >> Yeah. And he said the mom knows about it. He's done it with the mom here before and then the mom told him to stop and he stopped for a long time and now she said it just happens when the mom leaves. >> It's probably going to be a joint response. >> Yeah. Like that legitimately >> you left yet? >> Yeah. So, we'll probably I don't know if X-ray division wants to come out here and look at it, but dude's a retired police officer. >> Are you serious? >> I called Boat Right to see what he wanted me to do, and I was like, "Oh, you're already out here." >> Hello. Are you working? Okay, this is going to be this is going to be a good child use like fresh injuries. Dad was the kids with a hand. >> Yeah. The investigation revealed multiple instances where the children were subjected to unsafe disciplinary practices. [Music] >> Oh snap. >> Hey Melie, come real quick. [Applause] on my truck, >> would you please? >> Let's go. >> Yeah, let's go in your creek. I'm going to ask him real quick. Hey, where's mom at? >> She's working. >> Where at? >> And uh with Tonco. >> With TCO? >> Yeah. >> What hospital? >> Um she's sleeping right now. You want to me to call her? >> You got the phone? >> Yeah. So, what happened? >> You got the phone on you? >> No, it's in my house. >> You can come in with me, huh? >> I'll grab it. >> You know me. All right, I get it. But this ain't my case, man. >> I got you. >> All right, just hold on one second. All right, >> you know, >> I got you, man. Right now, it's business now, right? >> I got you. >> All right, hold on one second. All right. >> All right. With a normal seat belt than it is to be around. >> So, I told her >> hopefully mom will come. Okay, it's okay. >> We're going to play with the sirens. >> Oh, here it is. With sufficient evidence, police took the father into custody. During questioning, he began to describe the way he and his wife had been disciplining the children, methods that raised serious concerns for their safety. >> What was in there? Um, >> how do you typically do discipline as a family? >> Like as a set like my my wife is the screamer. >> Mhm. >> And my wife is, how do I put it? She's the screamer, but she's the left field. You know, let's say like the little one has her makeup and then she'll be like, "Give me your makeup stuff. I'm not giving it to you." you know, instead of talking to her and you know, let's say don't watch TV or doing something else, you take her nightlight. Okay? Then you take another thing, then you take another thing. It gets to a point where she'll basically be like, "Well, I don't care. You're going to just take everything. I'm not going to listen to you. So, care." So, like I said, they have they're like two cats fighting each other. And it's like, "Okay, but you know, like I said, I'm more of the disciplinary, you know. I'll be like, "All right, there's no TV." Why? Because of this, you know, I try to talk to them. Mhm. >> This is why you got in trouble. We're going to learn from this. You know, you know, I try to explain to him like you're getting older. You know, these are things that you have to take pride in bed, your shoes, your clothes, your appearance. I have to tell her to take a shower, you know, like little things. But again, like I said, now the old the two little ones see it and they're like, "Well, we're not going to do it either, you know." So that's the power struggle now. That is, you know, and >> he stressed he was a former police officer and said the discipline was to teach self-control. But faced with the children's the excuse was unconvincing. >> I don't drink in front of my kids. I never liked it. I don't smoke. If I have a beer, I have a beer here and there. I grew up in a blueco collar town. Like your dad went to drink and you you didn't see him until 8:00 at night. Like I never wanted my kids like that. I would say I grew up in a broken home, but I was like I didn't want to be that dad, you know? I wanted I locked out. I was able to raise my kids >> from day one. I don't know about you guys, but to be able to stay home with your kids, still have a job and do stuff and be able to do everything, you know? Like it got to a point where the school didn't even know I was married. Like my wife showed up and they were like, "Who are you?" Because we have different last names. We got married and they were like that he's not married. Who are you? Because they didn't know who she was because I did everything with the events, the awards, daycare. Like I said, everybody knew it was me. Like I said, I'm I want them to learn from their mistakes because God forbid I'm not here. Like when I was a kid, my mom made me cook and clean cuz when I get I got to college, I know how to cook and clean. Kids were like, I don't know how to do a wash. >> Yeah. >> So, I make my daughter wash the clothes. Now, do I touch my kids? Yes. Do I am I one of those like I'm just going to be a No. And that's the infuriating part about this whole thing is it makes it sound like I'm a monster that I my kids. Do I? Yes. Will I use a Yes. A spoon? Yes. I mean, we all got cracked here and there with a wooden spoon. Am I going to do it till I eat them and they can't sit or walk or they're or no. Let me wap them a couple times. Okay. Did you learn your lesson? Okay. I mean, it's gotten to a point where the two little ones I say, I'm going to go get my They're like, "No, no, no, no. Now, I don't want them to me, but I want them to have a learning lesson and be like, "Hey, you screwed up. Here's a" And I mean, that's like I said, the best that I try. I mean, unfortunately, we're in this circumstance, but when I punch my kids, I don't go, "Oh, I'm just going to you until you know, you can't say." No, you know, I'll give them a couple laps, but then I sit down and talk to them. >> Mhm. >> This is why I punch you. We're going to learn from this so we don't do it next time. You know, I know I'm one of those like I'll say it once, I'll say it twice, but I'm going to be a I'm not one of those like I'm just going to come around you and you in the head and be like, you're an idiot. You know, I try to be positive with my kids as positive, reassuring them, hey, everything's going to be okay. You're great. Did you have a good day? I tell them every morning I get in the car when we leave. You're smart. You're beautiful. You have right there. When do you get out of school? How'd you do today? Let's go over your homework. You know, so as far as I'm the enforcer, but I make a learning process. >> Yeah. >> I don't just them and say, "Well, take it. You act it out. You got here you go." >> But my has a reason. I don't just say, "I'm just doing it. Don't ask." I you for this. This is what you did. Next time we're not going to do it. And I've told my kids, you're gonna do it a thousand times and you're gonna get a thousand times. I still love you. I'm not gonna get I'm gonna get mad at you, but it's a learning process. We will get past it and A, B, and C. >> Right after he recounted what had happened the day before, and it seemed everything started with his daughter. >> Tell us about what happened yesterday. I got up. She had made eggs for herself. No problem. don't have an issue with it. We were cleaning because the day before we had gone to the zoo, everything was fine. You know, day before that we went to a circus. Everything was fine. But since she hasn't been on her meds, she has times of I would say anger or like I'm not going to do this. I don't care. You know, so I was like, "All right." So anyway, we were we were cleaning. No problems. I was doing the dishes. I look over the stove's on. So I, you know, told her I was like, "Come here. But I want to show you that she lost it. She started freaking out, screaming. I'm not coming here screaming, cursing. Well, I was like, "We're not going to do this. We're, you know, we're going to discuss this." So, I showed her. I was like, "The stove is on. You're going to start a fire." The pilot was low, but I'm like, "If this fuse goes out now, that's carbon monoxide. You could kill us and we not know." So, the problem with her and that we've learned through therapy is she doesn't like to get yelled at. She just closes up like a shell and it's like but the problem is is the therapist has told her the psychiatrist have told her like you're going to get in trouble. You're going to get yelled at. Like you have to accept that's life, right? >> She doesn't accept. Like it's like you cannot yell at her. So she closes up like whatever. So anyway, we had a little we went t for t that ended. She was upset down because I yelled at her cuz I was like you could blow this house up and us. So like I said it was a learning process. I was like, "Make sure turn this off." I was like, "I want to be able to trust you, but now I'm not going to let you cook if I'm not home. Now, I'm going to have to watch you." So, she got upset. So, my kids take stuff and leave it in most random places. >> So, I found So, I was like, "All right, I'm going to take the back into the room." So, I was carrying the I don't know how to describe it. I guess that the head of it >> in my hand and then the I call it the butt of the going. So I'm walking around, you know, I took it and I hit her in the hand with it. Not hard. So she got mad. So then she was like, "Well," started getting all defensive, started cursing and well, I was like, "We're not going to do that." Then, "Oh, you're not going to do anything." But so I hit her again. I was like, "We're not going to do this." I was like, "We're not going to fight. This is your sister." Oh, you don't do anything to them. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Like all this like putting me down. And so I hear him on the forum. I said, "We're done." He also tried to use the struggles of raising children to portray himself as a good father despite the visibleies on them. >> They're no butt a baby twice. I start crying like we're done. I'm done with these comments to your sisters. They're mean. They're not, you know, avi. So anyway, we were done. Everything was fine. I went about my business. She was cleaning. She was upset. So I gave her space. I'm like, "Cool down. Talk about it later." I told my daughter, "This is the rabbit hole we're going down." >> Mhm. >> When DHS came, when we had the issues at school, when she was going to when she was going to middle school, and then when she got went to the hospital three times. I'm like, "If you keep saying that, they're going to put you in longer longer and longer." Then she kicked out my my wife. Then a couple months ago before break, she came to me and said, "I can't find my science book. Somebody stole my science book and threw it in the trash." My daughter will look at you and say, "I didn't do it." and not blink a lie. Like she could kill somebody and be like, "I didn't do it." And have a knife in her hand. Like we had problems with her with homework. She would be on her laptop. I did I did my homework. I did my homework. I'd go in her history. She was looking at YouTube for the last 4 hours. Never did homework. Strayfaced. That's why we had an issue with DHS because of her line before. So she embellished a lot of things and became well this. What was really this? And like I said, she could say one story. You got to take it with a grain of salt. But I believe her. >> Yeah, >> she is my daughter. I don't care if she did it. I believe her and then whatever happened. But do I try my best to be the best dad? Do you try the best to be the best dad, best police officer? You try to make make the best of how can we fix this situation? I had plenty of calls where I would go to a domestic and it was the same call that you know it's the same family and you were like you knew the parents that and you were like you are the most horrible parents. I respect you guys. We've all done this. We're all cops. I don't want to be that person be like, "Oh, >> right." >> You know, as a parent, what do I do? >> Let's pause for that an hour. Let's drink your water, relax for a minute. We're going to grab a drink. >> Yeah. Give us a second. >> Just take a couple breaks. >> We'll be right back. >> The father was formally charged and now faces serious legal consequences under Oklahoma law. Parents should use positive, patient, and respectful methods of guidance instead of violence. A child's growth should not be built on, but nurtured with love and understanding. While the tears in Indiana had yet to dry, more than 3,000 km to the west in Washington, another child was being pulled into a silent hardship. >> Um, regarding the kids testing positive foretamine, >> there's one. Okay. On December 12th, 2024, what began as a seemingly routine investigation in Moses Lake, Washington, left police officers surprised. After receiving a tip about possible unsafe behaviors, they rushed to the scene. And to their surprise, inside was a home in poor condition with a 5-year-old child in need of attention. Authorities placed the mother under formal detention, and arrangements were made for temporary care of the children. >> Yes. >> Hey. Hey, Nicole. How are you doing? Okay. So, my name is Officer Carter with the Mills Lake Police Department. We do have a warrant for your arrest. Okay. >> What? >> Yep. And we have search warrant for the house. So, stop moving. >> No. Let me see the warrant. Let me see the warrant. No. Where's the warrant? Where is the warrant? Stones here. >> Nope. You're under arrest. >> No. Stop. >> I'm under arrest for what? These are my kids. >> You're under arrest. Okay. >> Stop. You're going to make a fool out of yourself in front of your kid. No. Stop. >> Excuse me? >> Yes. >> I don't even have a You guys don't even have a What? I will read a copy of the warrant to you. Okay. >> I want to see it. >> No, I'm going to show it to you. >> Good. >> And I'm not being sassy. Okay. But I will show it to you. I'm not going to I'm not going to arrest you and not show it to you. Okay. >> I can walk on my arm. >> Swing your arm. >> Do you have anything on you that might broke down or hurt us? >> No. >> Okay. like needles, anything. Okay. Why did it take you so long to get to the door? >> I was curling my hair. >> Curling your hair. Okay. All right. Do you have any pockets? Doesn't look like it. Okay. Somebody do another search. Okay. So, back of my hand. Can you widen your stance? I appreciate it. All right. So, back of my hand. Okay. Have any pockets or anything? >> All right. I'm going to grab that warrant. Okay. >> Sit back. Put the seat belt over you. The children still wait, unaware of how long it might take for their mother to return. Hold there. >> Yeah. >> Police back in Isaac. Good. >> What do you got? >> Yeah, it looks like a bathroom to the right. Hallway continues to the left. Bedroom sh >> moving right now. Did you guys move it? >> It's probably just moved right now. >> Yeah, it's probably just auto. So then uh >> I'll let them decide who who they'll leave here. But uh do we have did we get a hold of >> I'll figure that out. >> Okay. >> Bye guys. High five. High five. All right. We'll see you later. Okay. >> Bye. >> Huh? >> Oh, mommy just has to go talk to us. >> I know. It's crazy. >> But they don't know. This time she might be gone for a very long time. >> Okay. Do me a favor to verify your name for me. >> Nicole. >> Nicole. What? >> Marie. >> Nicole. Marie. What? >> Okay. Go. >> Okay. Go ahead and step up. Nicole. You want to go right here for me? Go ahead and look at the wall for me. Okay. This way. To the left or to the right? Right here. Go ahead. Kick your shoes off on me right here. Is it you going to be okay? You don't have a belt or anything on? No necklaces. Just the earrings. >> My rings. >> No blanket. >> Yeah. >> We're going to bring you a blanket. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> While tracking the mother's whereabouts, police traced the father and took him into custody. >> Hey, Sam. Don't reach for anything. Just set that down. You're under arrest right now. >> For what? We'll explain here in a second. >> All right, Sam. Do you got anything on you right now? >> No. >> Okay. >> So, what's going on? We'll explain it here in just a second. Okay. >> All right. >> Just going to walk through here. >> No. And then I'll explain it to you, but I'm not I'm not the detective all the way through the case. >> So, just check your pockets. Okay. >> Good. The father spoke out exposing a series of troubling truths. The child had been living in unsafe conditions. The mother was reported to have made questionable decisions and previous warnings had been overlooked. >> The whole purpose of the search warrant uh so it was for those above um crimes and that was the information that had the whole reason of why I was hoping to talk to you today is because of a CPS intake that came in. >> Okay. >> Do you know of any CPS intakes that came in at all? >> No. ones that modern whatever the hell my ex has been saying. I know I had an intake on her and somehow it turned around on me. >> What happened with those intake? Are you able to tell me about those? >> What happened with this? She was my kid. >> Okay. Tell me about that. >> My daughter came home one day. She had she looked like she had two black eyes. My son as well had all over the body. We took photos of them. >> Mhm. >> I reported it to the to the intake. >> When when did you report it? >> I don't remember exactly the date. >> Month. >> Probably about a month or two. >> Probably about a month or two. Okay. >> Yeah. And so case worker comes by, asks me. Pretty much the case worker comes by saying that she had to do a investigation on me. I didn't understand what and she says that she had heard about the intake that I had made, but that they weren't going to screen it out. I sent her pictures, showed her pictures of everything, and she said, "Okay, that she would see she would what she could do about it, and that was about it." Then next thing I know, there supposedly I had an investigation on me. Then comes to find out, I guess there wasn't even no case on me. It was supposed to have been on my ex the whole time and they were investigating me instead. >> This is the one from a couple months ago. >> No, just here recently. >> Just here recently. >> Yeah. I don't know. Apparently, I've been on an investigation from like 2015 or something cuz I had just got back CPS records and yeah, they were dating me back all the way till 2015, but saying I don't know what I was reviewing myself, so I'm not even sure what the hell's going on. >> So, when did they most recently when did they first come into contact with you? >> Back in June. >> In June. Okay. >> I don't know. I've been in touch with them every year. >> Every year. >> Yeah. I've had a case working on me every year for I don't know what reasons. >> You said that this most recent time that was a couple days ago or something. Yeah, we had some I don't know I guess some meeting that they said that I guess I was supposed to have sat down that I was supposed to have been in but I wasn't even supposed to have been there. They pretty much fooled me into going into a meeting that I had no clue of what the hell I was doing. >> I was kind of messed up. >> Yeah. So, I don't know >> what happened with that meeting. >> No, they had the meeting. We discussed everything that was going on and that was it. >> So, the intake that we got um was for one of your children testing positive. >> No, that's for amphetamine. >> Empetamine. Okay. What are you able to tell me about that, >> Dad? I have no clue. I gave my daughter back to her mom on Sunday at 7 p.m. >> Okay. >> And then I didn't find that out until about Thursday. So I don't know what went on in between. >> And that was this last Sunday. >> Yeah. About Yeah. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> So who was truly at fault? Accusations flew between the parents with overlapping and conflicting testimonies. >> So my name is Detective Carr. This is Detective Gatis. So at this point for the record, your house is done. Everything like that. Okay. Um I do have a warrant that was left there. So your name is Nicole Ortega, right? Mhm. >> Is uh do you have a middle name? >> What's your middle name? >> Miranda. >> Okay. So, I'm going to read your Miranda rights again. Okay. Just in case you forgot, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right at this time to talk to a lawyer and have them present with you while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish. And you can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand your rights? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Nicole, how long have you uh been living at >> Mhm. >> Do you live at that house that we found you at? Yeah. >> Okay. How long have you been living there? >> A year. >> A year. Okay. What's a good phone number for you? >> Okay. And how many kids do you have? >> Five. >> Five. Do they all reside with you? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do they spend do does anyone else have any custody of them? >> No. >> Are they same? Those kids? >> No, we lost our baby on Mother's Day. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry to hear that. So, they're there seven days a week. >> Um, now they are. >> No. Okay. >> My two boys don't go to their fathers no longer. >> Oh, okay. What's the age of the kids? >> 17, 10, 8, 5, 3. >> Do you know why you're being talked to by myself and detective um? >> No, I didn't heard you say that you were just arrested. >> Uh, so we did get the house and the search warrant was for the controlled substance. Um, this stemmed from a CPS intake that we got um regarding the kids testing positive foramine. >> It was one. >> It was one. Okay. One of your kids. What can you tell me about that? >> I don't know what's going on with that. I'm trying to do my own situation because I know that his baby mama works at the hospital. >> Okay. It's my understanding though that you found out about it and then brought it up. So, you had taken the kid to a doctor's appointment. >> No, I went in there. I went in the ER because my son said that his father was using him. That's why I went in there. >> They already knew about before I even got there. >> About the what? >> Okay. >> Why would they do a drug test on him? They wouldn't answer the question. >> They wouldn't answer. They wouldn't tell you. >> Nope. >> Okay. I told him I've had plenty of I I know that don't just come by yourself. So why there's several other things on there if he did take >> And this what when did this happen? >> It was December. No, I had to intake a second. Oh, wait. Oh, god damn. November 15th. >> November 15th. Okay. So, what has come from that? from because obviously you you just said you were at the the the doctor's office to talk about the abuse from his father. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, what's happened since then? >> Oh, they didn't investigate him. >> They didn't investigate him. Who was who is that? >> His father is Theodore. >> His father was Theodore. >> The father clearly had no awareness of the long-term effects of unsafe parenting on children. Even brief exposure to unsafe environments can become an early life lesson, shaping children's experiences in lasting ways. And so my understanding is it sounded like you based on your earlier conversation you said that the kids now long longer ago. So is there those same kids we're talking about that they don't go over to Theodors anymore? >> Only one of the boys came out positive. >> Only one of the boys? >> Yeah. Which one was it? >> Augustine. He's the >> Yeah. He's the 8-year-old. >> Did you ever um take the other kids to get test because >> I was going to and I would have been done it no problem. >> Mhm. >> But when they told me they ambushed me with a meeting, >> who? >> CPS did. I didn't even know that we were here. I'm thinking, "Oh, we're getting, you know, some kind of justice for my son because he's scared about his father's." But no, you guys aren't didn't even care about that. You just right away telling me I'm a bad mom because of a UA. Okay. Who are you to judge me? First of all, my kid walks to school. Mhm. Second, my kid does go outside and play with his stepkids. I mean, his stepbrother and sister. I mean, there's So, you're just saying it just happened at my place. He just came from his father's, too. So, I mean, that's just all on me. >> Mhm. And then I just Have you ever been bum bum rushed like that? >> I've been bumrushed, but I can't say I've been bumrushed like like you're explaining. So that sounds like a pretty I say dramatic turn of events probably for you, especially with how they they came at you. >> Yeah. So I was pretty upset and I tell him, you know, with everything that's going on with his baby mama >> and her saying, "Oh, I'll do anything to make sure you get the hell out of my kids' home." >> What? I don't know. My kids are friendly. They're autistic. they will talk to, especially if they see their steps sister with her. How do I know she didn't go ahead and do this? I mean, yeah, I am a teaser. I keep my stuff away. I don't usually do it around my kids. >> Mhm. >> I'm big about it. >> Okay. So, that's how I know that my kids there's no way in hell they could have got it from me. >> Okay. What uh mind me asking what you use? >> Do you ever use any other >> Okay. So, you said you you keep stuff away from the kids. Um, >> I usually keep it in the safe. >> You usually keep it in the safe. Where's the safe? >> It's using the back room. >> Okay. So, if you guys are going to use you use it away. Oh, just you. Okay. So, if you are going to use it, what's your process like? What would you do to keep it away from the kids? Like if you're going to use >> I usually leave. >> You usually leave. Okay. Do you have anywhere you go in particular? >> No, just as long as it's not there and it's not in the car. >> So, okay. Basically, out of the house, out of the car. Do you ever go in the back room to smoke? >> Um, if the kids are not there. Yeah, >> get down there. Okay. Uh, >> the 33-year-old father and 29-year-old mother were reportedly facing multiple serious charges related to child safety, illegal items, and firearm violations. They were booked into Grant County Jail. Under state law, they could face significant legal penalties, including lengthy sentences, and heavy fines. If you're young, take a moment to reflect. Every choice you make today could shape the future of the next generation. Did the footage you just saw make you stop and think? behind closed doors can silently shape a child's world. And we as witnesses do not have the right to look away. Another child could be left in silence and if we fail to act. Be the voice for innocent children because your intervention could be their only lifeline. If this video resonates with you, let us know with a like, share it to spread the message and subscribe to join us in creating positive values for the community. [Music]