An Oregon couple faces multiple charges for allegedly using a taser to discipline their young children, shocking the local community.
At a Glance
- Brandon Rogers, 44, and Heather Black, 36, arrested for child abuse involving their two children
- Investigation revealed daily abuse using a taser and other weapons on their 7-year-old son
- Couple also accused of menacing their 4-year-old daughter
- Children now safe and living with other family members
- Multiple charges filed, including assault, criminal mistreatment, and unlawful use of a weapon
Investigation Uncovers Shocking Abuse
On September 17, 2024, Springfield Police began investigating a disturbing case of child abuse after receiving a report of a 7-year-old boy with multiple injuries. The inquiry led to the arrest of the boy’s parents, Brandon Rogers and Heather Black, for using a taser on their children as a form of discipline.
“Through the course of the investigation, it was learned Rogers and Black had physically abused their son, on two reported occasions, by tasing him as a form of discipline” – Source
Initially arrested on October 4 for Assault III, Unlawful Use of a Stun Gun, and Criminal Mistreatment I, Rogers and Black were taken into custody. A search warrant executed at their residence yielded evidence corroborating the abuse allegations.
Expanded Investigation Reveals Extensive Abuse
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered a disturbing pattern of daily abuse. The couple allegedly used a taser and other weapons on their son regularly and menaced their 4-year-old daughter. This revelation led to the re-arrest of Rogers and Black on October 29 for additional incidents discovered after their initial arrest.
“Detectives continued the investigation and began processing a large volume of digital evidence, to include multiple hours of video surveillance and other digital evidence” – Source
The charges against Rogers now include five counts each of Assault II and Criminal Mistreatment I, seven counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and seven counts of Menacing. Black faces three counts each of Assault II and Criminal Mistreatment I, five counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and five counts of Menacing.
Children Safe, Investigation Ongoing
The Springfield Police Department has confirmed that the children are now safe and living with other family members. However, the investigation is far from over. Detectives are continuing to process evidence and have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.
“Detectives are still going through video and additional charges may be forthcoming” – Source
The Springfield Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any additional information that may assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, Rogers and Black remain in custody at the Lane County Jail as they await further legal proceedings.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child protection and the severe consequences of child abuse. As the community grapples with the shocking nature of these allegations, authorities continue their diligent work to ensure justice for the young victims.
Sources:
- Police: Springfield parents arrested after repeatedly tasering children as discipline
- Oregon parents arrested after repeatedly tasing young children as discipline: police
