The parents of four children in Habersham County have been arrested and face child cruelty charges.
David Brett Cowart, 35, and Melinda Wood Cowart, 32, both of Clarkesville, face four counts each of cruelty to children in the second degree and one count each of maintaining a disorderly house.
According to the Habersham County Sheriff's Office, the Cowarts share four children between the ages of 10 and 4 years old. Investigators received information in early March that the children were possible victims of severe neglect.
The two older children were taken to FAITH's Power House for Kids, a child advocacy and sexual assault center in Toccoa, for interviews. The Patrol Investigator spoke to the two younger children.
Those interviews and evidence collected during the investigation, as well as interviews with the Cowarts', led to their arrests on Wednesday. They were booked into the Habersham County Jail.
The two younger children have been surrendered to the Department of Family and Children Services, while the two older children have been placed with family members. The Habersham County Sheriff's Office has stated the children are, "receiving health and mental services regarding that physical and mental neglect."
The investigation is ongoing.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/3/1089049/habersham-co-parents-arrested-on-child-cruelty-charges