How Could You? Hall of Shame-Kelly Lewis

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 Cheviot, Ohio, foster parent Kelly Lewis, 52 is “accused of abusing her autistic foster child who was malnourished so severely he tried to drink dishwater, prosecutors said.

Kelly Lewis, 52, is charged in Hamilton County Municipal Court with felony child endangering. Officials said the abuse happened from mid-April to mid-August at her residence. The foster child is a non-verbal 9-year-old, prosecutors said.

She appeared before Judge Bernie Bouchard on Nov. 6. Her bond was set at $50,000.

If she posts bond, she will have an ankle monitor and not be allowed near anyone under 18.”

“Lewis has been a foster parent since 2007, according to her attorney Allison Cox. She has monthly visits from case managers and has her foster license recertified every two years.

Cox said Lewis lives with two children she adopted, a 9-year-old and a 14-year-old.

The child has some pretty complex medical issues, including seizures, Cox said, adding that he was on a specific protein shake diet at the recommendation of a nutritionist.”

“Child’s condition was noted by school officials

Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor David Hickenlooper said detectives told him the child had lost about 14% of his body weight. The child was hospitalized for 26 days.

As a foster parent, Hickenlooper said Lewis is in a position of trust. Her charge is a “severe violation of trust,” he said.”

School staff first alerted Hamilton County Job and Family Services that the child seemed severely malnourished, Hickenlooper said.

At one point, according to detectives, the child rummaged through a garbage can for food and tried to drink dishwater, he said.

The Cheviot Police Department has not responded to The Enquirer to discuss the condition of the child.”
Malnourished child tried to drink dishwater during months-long abuse, prosecutors said
[Cincinnati.com 11/6/25 by Cameron Knight and Matthew Cupelli]

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