A Hopkinsville man and woman were charged with several counts of child abuse on Vass Lane in Hopkinsville Sunday night.
Hopkinsville Police say they arrested 39-year-old Joseph Banks and 32-year-old Amanda Banks on warrants charging them with several counts of child abuse, assault, and distribution of obscene matter to minors.
Police say Banks had subjected children to cruel punishment, used various instruments to abuse them, and forced them to watch sexually explicit programs.
The abuse, according to police, included being struck multiple times with wooden paddles and belts, being locked in the bathroom with the door handle turned around, and being subjected to shock collars on their necks, legs, and arms.
According to the Christian County Jail, Joseph Banks is charged with five counts of distribution of obscene matter to minors, four counts of second-degree assault, and five counts of criminal abuse. Amanda Banks is charged with fourth-degree assault, first-degree strangulation, three counts of distribution of obscene matter to minors, four counts of second-degree assault, and four counts of criminal abuse.
