Oregon couple faces serious charges in shocking child abuse case

Gavel Handcuffs

An Oregon couple faces multiple charges for allegedly using a taser to discipline their young children, uncovering a disturbing pattern of abuse.

At a Glance

  • Brandon Rogers, 44, and Heather Black, 36, arrested for child abuse involving their 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
  • Couple accused of using a taser and other weapons as forms of discipline.
  • Investigation revealed daily abuse, leading to multiple charges including assault and unlawful use of a weapon.
  • Children now safe and living with other family members.
  • Investigation ongoing with potential for additional charges.

Initial Arrest and Investigation

On September 17, 2024, authorities in Springfield, Oregon, began investigating a case of child abuse after receiving reports of a 7-year-old boy with multiple injuries. The investigation led to the arrest of the boy’s parents, Brandon Rogers and Heather Black, on October 4. Initially, the couple faced charges of Assault III, Unlawful Use of a Stun Gun, and Criminal Mistreatment I.

The Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence, collecting evidence that corroborated the abuse allegations. As the investigation progressed, a more sinister picture emerged, revealing a pattern of daily abuse that extended beyond their son to include their 4-year-old daughter.

Escalating Charges

As detectives delved deeper into the case, processing a substantial amount of digital evidence including video surveillance footage, the extent of the abuse became clearer. On October 29, Rogers and Black were re-arrested based on additional incidents discovered after their initial arrest.

“Through the course of the investigation, it was learned Rogers and Black had physically abused their son, on two reported occasions, by tasing him as a form of discipline” – Springfield PD

The charges against Rogers now include five counts each of second-degree assault and first-degree criminal mistreatment, seven counts each of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. Black faces three counts each of second-degree assault and first-degree criminal mistreatment, along with five counts each of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. Both parents are currently held at the Lane County Jail as the investigation continues.

Ongoing Investigation and Child Safety

The Springfield Police Department is actively seeking additional information from the public as they continue to process evidence. The investigation remains open, with the possibility of further charges being filed against the couple.

Most importantly, both children have been removed from the abusive environment and are now living safely with other family members. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reporting suspected child abuse and the critical role that thorough investigations play in protecting vulnerable children from harm.

Sources:

  1. Police: Springfield parents arrested after repeatedly tasering children as discipline
  2. Oregon parents arrested after repeatedly tasing young children as discipline: police