child abuse

Monroe County recently turned down a $2.6 million grant from the state that would have helped poor parents accused of neglect keep their children. The NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services would have awarded Monroe County's Public Defender’s office the money but the County blocked the grant, saying they don’t want to protect parents’ interests at the expense of the child’s well-being.

Local supporters are reacting to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision to step forward and assist child sex abuse victims.

Cuomo unveiled his 2017 policy initiatives in a book, which included a plan for the Child Victims Act. The proposal would do away with the statute of limitation on prosecutions of those who abused children.  Further, it would allow victims to bring civil lawsuits for 50 years from when their attacks took place.

New York State Police in Waterloo tell WXXI that Angela M. Wheeler, 37, of Seneca Falls, and Michael A. Brewer, 39, of Interlaken, were charged with abusing two children.

Troopers and Seneca County Child Protective Services investigated a report of two children being subjected to physical abuse, and improper care while in their custody.

Police allege that Wheeler and Brewer subjected the children to physical abuse to include choking, as well as other forms of excessive punishment.