Foster parents charged with abuse
A Winchester foster mother and her husband are facing new abuse charges, after she allegedly poured hot chocolate on the child’s head.
Ashley Neal and Ronnie Neal were both arrested Monday on indictment warrants for first-degree criminal abuse in Montgomery County.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, detectives began investigating following the Winchester incident and determined the child had received several injuries during the preceding months.
Deputies said the Neals did not seek medical attention and covered the injuries up to keep others, including social workers, from reporting the injuries.
Ashley Neal, 33, was arrested by Winchester Police on Nov. 30 for first-degree criminal abuse after allegedly pouring hot chocolate on the child at McDonald’s on Shoppers Drive. Ashley Neal told police she fell and accidentally spilled the drink. Police said video footage from the restaurant showed her intentionally pouring the drink over the child’s head and then attempting to fall.
Police said Ronnie Neal was in the restaurant at the time, but his back was turned and did not see the incident.
Winchester Police said the child received severe burns to its head and face.
The charge carries a sentence of five to 10 years in prison upon conviction.
By Fred Petke
The Winchester Sun
