A Kentucky mother and father have been arrested after they allegedly abused their children for years, at points locking their kids in dog cages and burning their skin with cigarettes.
Kayla Smith and Brian Smith were arrested in February and indicted on March 30. They were taken into custody at Fayette County Detention Center on six counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or under.
Both Kayla, 32, and Brian, 32, signed guilty plea offers to the indictments against them on May 27, according to WDKY.
Kayla was not given an immediate offer for pleading guilty, but records show “possible options” were discussed which included the “possibility of facilitation.” Meanwhile, no offers were immediately made to Brian upon agreement, per the outlet.
Authorities learned of the case on January 30 when child service workers received a report of abuse at the Smiths’ home. Two children that were placed into foster care claimed that their parents would punish them by placing them in a dog cage or locking them in a room for hours or days at a time without food.
The kids claimed that their parents had burnt them with lit cigarettes on several occasions. In light of the allegations, a detective with the Lexington Metro Police Department spoke with the young victims and noticed that they had scars on their bodies that were likely from the burns.
The children further detailed the abuse, with one child saying he would sleep in the dog cage “to pass the time,” according to court documents viewed by WKYT. The boy also said his parents would let him out of the cage to use the bathroom, though he would have to immediately return to the cage once he was done.
Throughout the investigation, authorities learned that the abuse lasted for about 2 and a half years.
Once authorities had enough evidence against the parents, Kayla was arrested on February 3 and Brian was arrested one day later on February 4.
The Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment when asked for more information on the status of the cases.
Kayla and Brian are scheduled to attend a status hearing on August 28. Both parents remain in custody at the Fayette County Detention Center and are being held on $75,000 bond each.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
