Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Clark County grand jury voted to indict a mother affiliated with a popular parenting Facebook group for sexual abuse and child abuse charges.
local affiliate KLAS obtained evidence reviewed by the grand jury, including a video call between the defendant, Christiann Ault, and the child she is accused of abusing.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m just scared. I’m just scared. I’m just scared,” Ault told the child. “I’m just scared I’m gonna go to jail, to be honest with you, I’m scared because you and I have always been best buds, and I miss you.”
Because of the nature of the allegations and the age of the alleged victim, 8 News Now is not revealing the child’s name or voice.
Ault is charged with two felony counts of lewdness with a child under the age of 14 and one felony count of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. Ault is affiliated with ‘Las Vegas Super Moms.’
“I’m sorry for bringing this up, but I need you to understand,” Ault told the child on the video call. “I need you to understand how serious, serious this is about the stuff that you said.”
The child, age 10 at the time of his testimony in front of the grand jury on July 15, testified that Ault sexually abused him numerous times and bribed him.
“She told me I could have iPad time if I do something, and I was like okay,” the boy said, referring to the alleged sexual abuse. “I didn’t want to. It made me feel uncomfortable.”
The child also testified that Ault threatened him not to tell anyone.
“She, um, told me don’t tell anyone this, or something bad is going to happen,” the boy said.
A prosecutor asked, “Did she say what bad thing would happen?”
“Spank me, yell at me, probably break my eardrums,” the boy answered.
In the recorded video call between Ault and the alleged victim, the child appeared to be upset.
“I feel uncomfortable,” he told Ault.
“It’s okay. It’s okay, sweetheart, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I just need you to know how important it is to always tell the truth,” Ault answered. “I listen, I know you’re scared right now, and I know you’re confused. I know you are. And none of this is your fault, baby. None of this, please.”
Ault kept urging the child to tell the truth.
“Because the truth, you’ll never get in trouble for telling the truth, baby, but lies can get, can get people put in jail,” Ault said.
Ault pleaded not guilty on July 30.
Ault posted $50,000 bond on July 17, according to court records. Her next court date was scheduled for March 11. A jury trial was scheduled for April 6.
The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to an attorney for Ault Wednesday afternoon and did not yet receive a response.
The child was living with his father, according to grand jury transcripts.
To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
To report suspected child abuse or neglect:
