How Could You? Hall of Shame-Jerry Michelle Herndon and Tina Marie Penaloza

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 Scotland County, North Carolina,foster parents Jerry Michelle Herndon, 51, and Tina Marie Penaloza, 42, were arrested on July 15, 2026 “following a six-week investigation into the alleged abuse of a foster child, according to Captain Randy Dover.

Dover said the investigation began after the Scotland County Department of Social Services requested assistance regarding allegations involving a foster child in its custody.

During the investigation, he added, detectives developed evidence that led to criminal charges against two suspects.

Jerry Michelle Herndon, 51, of …, was charged with:

• Felony child abuse by neglect inflicting serious physical injury
• Felony conspiracy

Dover said that during Herndon’s arrest, investigators said they found a quantity of suspected methamphetamine in her possession. She was also charged with:

• Felony possession of methamphetamine

Herndon received a $100,000 secured bond and was booked into the Scotland County Detention Center.

Tina Marie Penaloza, 42, of …, was charged with:

• Felony child abuse by neglect inflicting serious physical injury
• Felony conspiracy

Penaloza was booked into the Scotland County Detention Center without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.”

2 charged following investigation into alleged foster child abuse in Scotland Co./a>

[WPDE 7/16/26 by Tonya Brown]

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