From staff reports
A Corsica-area couple was ordered last week to stand trial on charges of false imprisonment and endangering the life of a child.
Joseph J. Ferguson, 35, Corsica, is charged with two counts of false imprisonment of a minor by a parent and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment of a minor, both charges are second-degree felonies; and one count of endangerment of the welfare of children as a third-degree felony.
The date of the offenses are listed as Oct. 21, 2016, in Clarion Township.
According to a press release from state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office, the charges were filed by his office after the defendants physically restrained their adopted daughter and endangered her well-being with unlawful punishment.
An investigation revealed Samantha Ferguson allegedly punished one of her adopted daughters by keeping her in a utility closet with exposed electrical wires, piping and other sensitive household hardware that could pose a danger to children if left alone in the dark.
The young girl is diagnosed with ADHD, yet Samantha Ferguson had taken her off her medication due to religious beliefs.
“There are consequences for failing to protect children in Pennsylvania. Our agents and attorneys work tirelessly to investigate every single lead that comes to our office, and when we received this referral we acted quickly,” Shapiro said in a March press release. “My Office is focused on defending the defenseless, and will continue to hold child abusers accountable.”
In one instance, Samantha Ferguson allegedly caught her daughter playing in the closet when she was supposed to be sitting still as instructed, for punishment. As a result, the defendant allegedly handcuffed and/or duct-taped her hands together every time she was sent to the closet.
In another instance, when the victim yelled out in pain and to be released from the handcuffs and tape put on her wrists, the defendant allegedly placed duct tape over the victim’s mouth to keep her quiet.
It is alleged Samantha Ferguson also cuffed her daughter to the bedpost as a form of punishment, only lettering her out to be fed depending on the time of day.
The victim and her sister, who was also adopted by the Fergusons, were undergoing trauma therapy for sexual and physical abuse in their prior home.
Both girls are currently in custody of Children & Youth Services.
The investigation was initiated by a Pennsylvania Childline report that was called in to Pennsylvania Child Welfare Services in October 2018.
This case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron.
The Fergusons appeared before District Judge Timothy P. Schill April 16 for a preliminary hearing. They are represented by attorneys Blair Hindman and Robbie Taylor.
After hearing testimony from prosecutors, Schill ordered the Fergusons stand trial on all charges.