LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A husband and wife from Lincoln County are facing child abuse charges after deputies said one of their children was beaten with a paddle.
Lincoln County investigators received a report from Cleveland County DSS about reported child abuse at a home in Vale on May 12. The sheriff's office alleges the 6-year-old girl was in speech therapy when a staff member noticed bruising on her bottom.
A social worker was sent to the family's home and met with her parents. It was during this time that photos were taken of a wooden paddle with holes drilled in it. The social worker also saw home security video footage that showed the child being spanked with the paddle.
A follow-up investigation by Lincoln County deputies revealed the child had been abused on multiple occasions, according to a release from the sheriff's office. The 6-year-old, as well as her 5-year-old brother, were both removed from the home and placed with relatives out of state, officials said.
Jonathan Niles Orren and his wife, Sylvia Orren, were each arrested and charged with one count of child abuse involving serious injury. Both suspects were released on bond.
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