Couple accused of abusing foster child

Published 7:49 pm Friday, October 28, 2016

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Lee Wiggins and Kalehua Wiggins have been charged with child abuse. 

By Blake Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

A Selma couple was arrested Thursday for allegedly abusing their foster child.

According to Lt. Sam Miller with the Selma Police Department, 25-year-old Lee Wiggins and 30-year-old Kalehua Wiggins were arrested after officers responded to a local middle school for suspected child abuse.

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“The victim, a 13-year-old special needs child has significant bruising on her arms, legs, thigh and buttocks area,” Miller said.

The 13-year-old told officers that her foster parents beat her.

““Detectives were notified and spoke with the victim ho stated that her foster parents, particularly her foster dad had beaten her with a thick leather belt and the foster mother never intervened,” Miller said.

Detectives documented the victim’s bruising and interviewed her foster parents at police headquarters. Miller said there was enough probable cause to arrest them both and charge them.

“This was an atrocious act on a child,” said Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson.

“There is no excuse for anyone to inflict this type of physical and emotional pain on a kid.”

Lee Wiggins was charged with aggravated child abuse and second-degree assault, and was given a total of $200,000 bond.

Kalehua Wiggins was charged with aggravated child abuse and given a $100,000 bond. She has since bonded out.