By SYDNEY KENT
A woman accused of severely abusing a family member under her care pled not guilty to the charges in the Wells Circuit Court earlier this week.
Natasha L. Stanton, 42, Bluffton, was charged with domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, two counts of domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony, and confinement and strangulation, both Level 6 felonies.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim reported the abuse from a neighbor’s phone when Stanton allegedly strangled her and wouldn’t allow her to call a family member for help.
The victim detailed a significant history of ongoing abuse. The situation reportedly escalated approximately six weeks prior when Stanton’s boyfriend moved into the residence. Stanton also reportedly controlled all of the victim’s finances and government assistance.
Officers noted very dark and pronounced bruises, cuts, and abrasions on various parts of the victim’s body. She told officers Stanton denied her access to basic resources she needed to live, such as food.
Stanton’s 9-year-old son allegedly lived in the residence during the ongoing violence. During her arrest, Stanton told the officers that the victim had actually been abusing her and her boyfriend.
Stanton is currently incarcerated in the Wells County Jail. Her bond is set for $25,000. A pretrial conference is scheduled for this case at 1 p.m. on Nov. 29 in the Wells Circuit Court.
sydney@news-banner.com
