RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh couple had their first appearance in a Wake County courtroom Wednesday after being charged with felony and misdemeanor child abuse.
- Lindsey and Russell Smith are both charged with felony child abuse.
- Accused of subjecting children to extreme isolation, ostracism and cruel punishments.
- Victim says they were never allowed to talk to siblings.
Lindsey and Russell Smith are both charged with child abuse inflicting serious physical injury based on negligence and misdemeanor child abuse.
According to arrest warrants, the victim in this case claims the abuse began when they were eleven years old and has continued for the past two years.
The Smiths have four minor children and an adult child with special needs, according to Russell Smith’s attorney.
The victim accuses both of her parents of extreme isolation, ostracism and periods of discipline which included standing up straight for many hours.
The state says the child wasn’t allowed to communicate, at any time, with her own siblings and that the Smiths failed to provide adequate education for the child after removing her from public school about two years ago.
The Smith’s are also accused of smacking the victim in the face, which another child confirmed.