Utah couple accused of handcuffing children and shocking them with electric device

OGDEN, Utah (TCD) -- A boyfriend and girlfriend are accused of handcuffing two young children together and shocking them with an electric device.

KSTU-TV reports Ogden Police arrested Jared Hamilton and Mercedes Compton, both 29, on Saturday, March 26, after police say the couple used an "electronic shocking device to physically discipline her children who are 5-years-old and 6-years-old."

Police reportedly obtained surveillance footage that allegedly shows Compton and Hamilton using the devices on her kids.

According to charging documents cited by KSL-TV, Hamilton allegedly put the device out towards her son's arm, but he tried to pull his arm away from her. The 5-year-old boy could not do it, however, because he was "handcuffed to his 6-year-old sister."

In the video, Hamilton allegedly puts the shocking device on the girl's back while holding her arm, and her body lurches. Compton allegedly used the shocker on her son, but her daughter was able to prevent herself from getting shocked. She reportedly tried evading her mother, but, according to charging documents, was "unable to do so due to being handcuffed to the 5-year-old child."

KSL also reports Compton would wave the device in front of her kids before using it on them.

According to Weber County Jail records, both Hamilton and Compton are being held without bail for two counts of child abuse with intention to inflict serious injury.

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