A Missouri man who admitted using a stun gun as “discipline” on three toddlers has been sent to prison.
Judge Thomas Mountjoy of Springfield sentenced him to four years in prison for each charge.
A babysitter reported the abuse to police.
The abused were the children of Shelby Crabtree, who was described at the time as Epple’s wife, reported the News-Leader. She has been charged with three counts of child endangerment but hasn’t been brought to trial yet.
Police and social services workers found a “filthy” home when they entered the residence after arresting Epple, “with trash covering most of the floor and cockroaches visible on the counters and sinks,” according to the bond document.
People commented on the police department’s post on Facebook.
“Thank God for the babysitter. I hope they use a stun gun on them every hour on the hour for the rest of their life,” said one.
“What about their ’mother?' She did nothing to protect them or even take care of them from the sound of it. As a mother, I cannot comprehend putting anyone or anything above my boys,” said another.
“They did charge the mother for those that didn’t READ the article. But 4 years for 3 charges of felony abuse seems pretty light sentence,” said yet another.
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