PHOTO: MADISON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
A disturbing case has emerged in Richmond, Kentucky, where Sheila Mann, 31, stands accused of heinous acts against her own child. According to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Mann faces charges including strangulation, child abuse, unlawful imprisonment, wanton endangerment, and terroristic threatening.
The complaint details horrifying allegations by Richmond police, who claim Mann threatened to “slit the victim’s throat” and physically assaulted the child. One incident reportedly involved Mann entering the child’s bedroom, placing her hands around the child’s neck, and strangling them briefly.
Over a span of two months from January to March 2024, the child described multiple instances of abuse. Among the allegations, Mann purportedly confined the child in a dog cage, securing it with twine and leaving the child trapped for two to three days.
Further accusations include tying the child’s hands with twine after reportedly sitting on the victim’s back, adding to the harrowing nature of the abuse detailed in the complaint.
While details about Mann’s plea were not immediately available, WKYT reported that Mann denied the charges during an interview from jail. “That’s not true at all,” Mann stated. “I have never done anything like that. I have always had a job with caretaking.”
Currently held at the Madison County Detention Center since her arrest on July 22, Mann faces serious legal consequences pending the outcome of her case. WKYT also reported that Mann’s child, identified as her daughter, is now in foster care under the care of authorities.
The allegations against Mann have sparked outrage and concern in the community, highlighting the vulnerability of children and the gravity of child abuse cases. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities will continue to investigate the allegations while ensuring the safety and well-being of the victim.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of suspected child abuse, emphasizing the need for swift action to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
