Tuscaloosa County Couple Arrested For Sexual Abuse Of A Juvenile

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Two people have been arrested following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a juvenile.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media Wednesday afternoon that investigators recently launched an inquiry after receiving a report that a child was being sexually abused by an adoptive father.

He then said Phillip Scott Watts, 47, has been charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sodomy, incest and tampering with physical evidence.

He was arrested and remains in jail without bond.

Investigators also determined that Watts’ wife, 39-year-old Kati Rhodes Watts, had knowledge of the alleged abuse and failed to report it.

Kennedy said Kati Watts was working as a daycare employee at the time of the incidents, making her subject to Alabama’s mandatory reporting law.

She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of violating the mandatory reporting law.

Her bond was set at $1,200.

Kennedy said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.

Due to the nature of the case, authorities are asking anyone who may have been a victim or who has information related to the case to contact the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.

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