COLUMBUS – A 30-year-old Columbus woman accused of using tape and rope to restrain her 5-year-old daughter was arrested Thursday and could be charged today with physical abuse of a child.
According to a press release issued Sunday by the Columbus Police Department, the woman’s actions were investigated after they received a tip about possible abusive behavior.
Police allege that the woman bound the 5-year-old’s ankles and wrists with rope and tape and taped the girl’s mouth shut before putting her in a closet. The woman also is accused of striking the child and locking her in a bedroom all day without food or access to a bathroom.
According to the release, the woman sent a text message to another person stating that she had given the girl Benadryl to try and get her to sleep. The text stated, “It’s enough to knock 2 adults out and she’s still awake.”
Columbus Police executed a search warrant at the residence Thursday and recovered items related to the allegations. In addition, they observed a bedroom with padlock hasps on the outside of door.
The woman, who is not being identified by police, has been held without bond since her arrest. She is expected to appear in court today.
A 3-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl were placed in foster care by the Columbia County Health and Human Services.