Ohio couple sentenced for mistreatment of children

OHIO — A couple accused of abusing their five adopted children received their prison sentences Friday.

Matthew Robert Edmonson pleaded guilty to five counts of child endangerment and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

His husband, Charles Edmonson, pleaded guilty to three counts of child endangerment, one count of felonious assault, and one count of kidnapping, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence.

The couple had taken in five biological brothers as foster children and later adopted them.

Prosecutors revealed disturbing details of the abuse during court proceedings, describing how the boys were confined to a “dungeon” as punishment, often left without food or clothing.

Prosecutors said the couple used a camera system to communicate with the children, similar to those used by pet owners to talk to their pets.

According to the sheriff’s office, the children were frequently hospitalized for injuries, including bruising, bleach burns, and suspected internal bleeding.

Prosecutors said the couple dismissed these injuries as accidents or medical conditions.

Detectives recovered video evidence showing the parents treating the children “worse than prisoners of war,” according to prosecutors.

The boys have since been placed in new homes, where prosecutors say they are “thriving.”

Matthew Edmonson’s biological son, Bailey, also faced charges. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child endangerment and was sentenced to probation.