How Could You? Hall of Shame-Sharon Leonard UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Neosho, Missouri, adoptive parent Sharon Leonard’s felony charges against keeping some of her 10 Asian and African adopted children outside in calf huts could be reduced to misdemeanors.

“Newton County Circuit Judge Timothy Perigo approved a request Monday to send Leonard’s case back to associate division of the court, where the felony charge could be reduced to a lesser misdemeanor charge. That hearing has been set for March 16.”

Prosecutor:Felony Child Abuse Charge Likely to be Reduced for Neosho Woman
[The Joplin Globe 3/7/11 by Emily Younker]

Pound Pup Legacy has an archive of this case. The Leonards adopted some of the children from Ethiopia, some from China, and others from disruptions. They homeschooled and a group of 4 siblings were adopted from Layla House. Abuse with “paddle or other objects, including a plastic pipe, a metal rod and a snow-removal brush” are described as well as their previous location in Wisconsin where they bred dogs and had a nonprofit adoption ministry called Hearts of Hope that offered advice on international adoptions.

Update/November 14, 2012

Apologies for the late update. No more media stories could be found. She pled guilty on 3/16/11 to Assault 3rd degree (a Misdemeanor A count)and received a sentence of 3 months with 2 years probation. On 3/16/11, her sentence was then suspended.

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