Authorities in Saratoga County say a New York couple and an unnamed minor have been charged after four children were allegedly subjected to ongoing abuse earlier this month.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Gairelyn O’Donnell, 42, and Fred O’Donnell, 42, were each charged with four misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child for “knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of four children less than 17 years old.”
Investigators said the case escalated further when Gairelyn O’Donnell and the minor were accused of “intentionally causing physical injury to another person by striking them with a whip-like object resulting in significant bruising and lacerations.” The minor also faces an assault charge related to the same incident.
Deputies responded to the home on November 5, leading to arrests and court arraignments last week. Following the hearing, Gairelyn O’Donnell was taken into custody at the county jail, while Fred O’Donnell was released on his own recognizance. The minor was remanded to the Office of Children and Family Services and will face proceedings in juvenile court.
Officials have not released additional details, including the ages of the victims or the minor accused in the case. The investigation remains active as child welfare authorities continue their review.