CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) — Two Corsica residents who faced charges for false imprisonment and other related charges following allegations that the couple physically restrained their adopted daughter were recently sentenced.

According to court documents, Senior Judge William H. White sentenced 27-year-old Samantha Ferguson and 35-year-oldJoseph Ferguson, both of Corsica, to 18 months of probation each, immediately after they each pleaded guilty to the following charge:

– False Imprisonment, Misdemeanor 2

As a result of the plea agreement, the following charges were dismissed:

• False Imprisonment of Minor/Parent, Felony 2 (two counts)
• Conspiracy — False Imprisonment of Minor/Parent, Felony 2
• Endangering Welfare of Children — Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Felony 3
• Corruption of Minors, Misdemeanor 1

The following conditions were also ordered for both individuals:

– Pay the costs of prosecution and supervision fee;
– Complete a parenting program approved by the Adult Probation Office;
– Continue the treatment for the two minor victims that they received from Brenda Manno; and
– Have a healthcare professional and fully comply with the directions of the physician concerning medications and therapy and treatment.

The charges were the result of an investigation initiated by a Childline report in October of 2018.

Details of the case:

According to a criminal complaint filed on March 19, 2019, by the PA Office of Attorney General and PA State Police, the investigation revealed Samantha Ferguson allegedly punished one of her adopted daughters by keeping her in a utility closet with exposed electrical wires, piping, and other sensitive household hardware that could pose a danger to children if left alone in the dark. The young girl is diagnosed with ADHD, yet it is alleged that Samantha Ferguson had taken her off her medication due to religious beliefs.

In one instance, Samantha Ferguson caught her daughter playing in the closet when she was supposed to be sitting still as instructed, for punishment. As a result, it is alleged that Samantha Ferguson handcuffed and/or duct-taped her hands together every time she was sent to the closet. In another instance, when the victim yelled out in pain and to be released from the handcuffs and tape put on her wrists, Samantha Ferguson allegedly placed duct tape over the victim’s mouth to keep her quiet. It is alleged that Samantha Ferguson also cuffed her daughter to the bedpost as a form of punishment, only letting her out to be fed depending on the time of day.

Joseph Ferguson, husband of Samantha Ferguson, allegedly admitted to being aware of the details and allegedly agreeing to and witnessing the punishment administered to the victim by his wife.

The victim and her sister, who was also adopted by the Fergusons, were undergoing trauma therapy for sexual and physical abuse in their prior home.

The investigation was initiated by a Pennsylvania Childline report that was called in to Pennsylvania Child Welfare Services in October 2018. This case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron.