Crime & Safety
Shock-Collared NJ Teen Was Forced To Eat Baby Food, Weighed 63 Pounds: Report
A man told investigators he was forced to use duct tape to stabilize the teenager, 6ABC says.
CAMDEN COUNTY — The Camden County 13-year-old who alleges she was forced to wear a dog collar was also forced to eat baby food, according to a report.
During a Wednesday court hearing, a Camden County judge said the three Stratford women accused of abusing the teen — Kelly Mennig and her two adult daughters, Rachel and Rebecca Mennig — could be released from prison while they await trial, 6ABC reported.
Prosecutors argued that the women should stay in prison, citing multiple factors, the outlet said, including that the alleged victim weighed 63 pounds when she was 13 years old. Prosecutors also said she was forced to eat oatmeal or baby food while the family ate other foods and that the women run a babysitting business inside their home, 6ABC reported.
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In addition, one of the suspect’s fathers told investigators he was forced to use duct tape to stabilize the girl, according to the TV station.
A judge ordered the three women to stay away from minors and the alleged victim, 6ABC reported. The women are also not allowed to live together or discuss the case with family members or witnesses while awaiting trial, the TV station said.
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The Mennigs’ attorneys said their clients deny doing anything wrong, according to 6ABC. One of their attorneys attributed the alleged victim’s low weight to medical issues she had experienced and had overcome as a child.
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