A couple from New York, along with an unnamed minor, found themselves facing child abuse charges following their arrest last week.
Gairelyn O’Donnell and Fred O’Donnell, both 42, were each charged with four misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. According to a statement from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, they were accused of “knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of four children under the age of 17.”
In addition to these charges, Gairelyn O’Donnell and the minor were accused of “intentionally causing physical injury to another person by striking them with a whip-like object,” which resulted in severe bruises and lacerations. The minor was also charged with assault.
The arrests took place on November 5, when police responded to a call. Following their arraignment last week, Gairelyn O’Donnell was detained in jail, while Fred O’Donnell was released on his own recognizance. The minor was placed under the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services, pending proceedings in juvenile court.
Details about the ages of the four child victims and the minor suspect were not disclosed.
