Cleveland County couple arrested, facing child abuse charges
Content Warning: This story contains details of physical abuse against children that may be disturbing for some viewers.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A mother and father in Cleveland County have been arrested for allegations of horrific child abuse.
The accusations range from extreme sexual and physical abuse to neglect, some so graphic we are not sharing the details.
Court documents claim the children were forced by their father, Checotah Fielder, to roll outside in sticker patches, struck with bull whips and scarred by small knife cuts.
One child described being pistol-whipped and another child had proof of being shot with a BB gun when the pellet was found in his leg.
Their mother, Chere Fielder allegedly watched the abuse happen, but didn't step in.
In the state of Oklahoma, there are "failure to protect" laws.
"No one should get off the hook completely for allowing their children to be abused. It needs to be a fair system, but these people certainly need more resources for help and we don't have enough of those in Oklahoma," said Joe Dorman, CEO, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
The parents were arrested this month, but court documents show DHS was alerted in June about a child's broken arm. At the time, the child reportedly covered for his parents on how he was injured.
"You never know in a situation like this how the caseworker handled the situation, but if the kids are lying, often times they have to go by that," said Dorman.
While limited in what they could say, DHS sent News 4 the following statement:
At Oklahoma Human Services, the safety and well-being of our state’s children is our top priority. While confidentiality laws prevent us from discussing specific details of child welfare cases, we emphasize the critical importance of a child’s or family member’s courageous disclosure. Such actions empower our agency and court partners to respond swiftly and effectively.
We understand that it can be difficult for children to speak up, which is why it is so important for all of us to be their voice. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call our 24/7 hotline immediately at 1-800-522-3511.
We will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and the courts to ensure thorough investigations and to seek justice for every child entrusted to our care. Together, we can make a difference in protecting Oklahoma’s children.
Oklahoma Human Services
In June, DHS recommended that the grandmother move into the home to help monitor them, but court documents reveal she later fled with the children, ultimately leading to an investigation and them being placed in DHS custody.
"Just so many kids are in horrific situations all throughout the state, all around the nation, we need individuals who will just keep watch over and if they suspect something, report it," said Dorman.
In Oklahoma, it is state law to report suspected child abuse.
Tonight, the couple sits in the Cleveland County Jail.
The mother faces four counts of enabling child abuse and the father faces four counts of abuse, five counts of sexual abuse and one count of neglect.