Two face indictments for abuse

By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason FCT Staff Writer
Child abuse seems to be a growing problem in our country, and Franklin County is no exception. The Franklin County Grand Jury handed down two indictments of child abuse on Oct. 6.
Melinda Elizabeth McNatt, age 40, was indicted during the grand jury trial after admitting to authorities that she and others smoked cocaine in the presence of the child a few weeks prior to the child's lab test in late August. She is currently in custody awaiting trial, a representative from the Sheriff's office said.
Bonita Charlie Rangel was also indicted on child abuse charges after allegedly hitting her child in the head with a bottle, Joey Rushing, district attorney, said.
In an unrelated case, the sheriff's department arrested another alleged child abuser earlier this week. Robert Stanley Garner Jr., 32, 6775 Highway 19 in Vina, was arrested on Oct. 4, and charged with willful abuse and torture of a child, according to the Sheriff's office.
Garner was arrested after his 5-year-old child received burns in the palm of each hand. The burns are believed to be consistent with cigarette burns. Garner is currently out on $75,000 bond and is awaiting trial, according to authorities.
The Department of Human Resources assisted investigators with these cases. DHR could not comment on the whereabouts of the children involved but did say that they were now safe.
According to the Mental Health Journal, 1,500 children die each year as a result of child abuse. There are 1.7 million reports of child abuse each year in the United States