Doc Says Imprisoned Girl Sexually Abused

H U T C H I N S, Texas, June 19 -- A starving girl who was imprisoned in a closet for months had also been a victim of repeated sexual abuse, according to a specialist's affidavit.

One of the 8-year-old girl's sisters told police that a paddlekept under a bed was used to "strike" her as punishment. A searchwarrant affidavit released Monday did not state who hit the victimor whom police believe sexually abused her.

But Hutchins Police Chief Gregory Griffin said the departmentsought the search warrant after receiving "credible" allegationsof sexual abuse.

Law officers on Friday searched the Dallas County trailer wherethey say the girl was imprisoned in a urine- and feces-contaminatedcloset for at least four months.

Barbara Calhoun Atkinson and Kenneth Ray Atkinson, the motherand stepfather, were arrested last week on charges of injury to achild, a felony that carries a sentence of five to 99 years inprison.

The 30-year-old mother remained at Dallas County jail today, held inlieu of $100,000 bond. Her 33-year-old ex-husband will not bereleased on bond because he also faces charges of probationviolation out of Ellis County, police said.

Popular Reads

Iran live updates: VP heads to Switzerland for talks amid opposing claims on strait

• Jun 20, 4:44 PM

Several notable Republican senators break with Trump over Iran agreement

• Jun 19, 2:49 PM

Trump says US and Iran have reached a deal, opening the Strait of Hormuz

• Jun 14, 2:51 PM

The district attorney's felony trial bureau chief, Steve Tokoly,said prosecutors would consider bringing more charges before agrand jury if evidence supports the allegations.

Searching for More Evidence

The lead investigator's affidavit said Dr. Donna Persaud ofChildren's Medical Center, who examined the victim, found injuriesto the child's genital area. Persaud told police the injuries couldhave occurred from sexual intercourse or by a blunt or sharpobject, according to the affidavit.

The girl, who weighs only 25 pounds, remains hospitalized at theMedical Center in Dallas. Marleigh Meisner, a Child ProtectiveServices spokeswoman, said the girl is walking and talking.

Police also searched for food, writings, books, pamphlets,documents, recordings and photographs and other items documentingfamily trips, according to the affidavit.