Two NC Women Charged with Felony Child Abuse

Burke County -- June 13, 2022:  On June 10, 2012, at around 12:43 p.m., the Department of Social Services' Child Protective Services (CPS) received an anonymous complaint alleging felony child abuse.

Natalie "Shane" Childress, of 6583 Gold Creek Road, Connelly Spring, was accused of striking children in her care and control with a pair of metal knuckles, causing serious physical injury. CPS investigators attempted to reach Jessica Renee Sanders, the children's mother, at her home in order to conduct an immediate evaluation of the suspected abuse. According to Sanders, the children were not on the premises when CPS investigators arrived. 

Deputies spotted the children hiding at the location after CPS requested assistance from the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Deputies requested EMS and the Burke County Criminal Investigations Division due to the children's injuries. The children  were taken to UNC Health Valdese and then to the Abuse/Trauma Center at Children's Hospital. Natalie Childress and Jessica Sanders were arrested and sent to the Burke County Magistrate after being interviewed by Burke County CID and CPS detectives. 

Jessica Renne Sanders 

Charges: F - Negligent Child Abuse- Severe Bodily Injury Held on a $250,000 Secured Bond 

Natalie Anee Childress

Charges: F - Negligent Child Abuse- Severe Bodily Injury Held on a $250,000 Secured Bond 

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington