Delaware couple faces 646 charges after allegedly starving, force-feeding, and torturing their 2 children

KENT COUNTY, Del. (TCD) -- A couple faces 646 charges for the alleged abuse, neglect, and torture of their two children.

According to a Department of Justice news release posted by the Delaware attorney general, Mary Vinson, 45, and Charles Vinson, 36, allegedly abused their children over the course of 20 months. The two reportedly forced the children to "stand for long periods of time."

Additionally, the couple stands accused of withholding food from the children and force-feeding them. They also reportedly physically assaulted the victims. Charges indicate that the mother allegedly strangled one of the children. Video cameras were reportedly placed in the children’s room by their parents and captured the abuse.

Due to the alleged abuse, the Department of Justice said the children had to be hospitalized.

According to the Department of Justice, the Division of Family Services took the two children into custody.

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a statement, "These are the cases that keep us up at night."

Jennings continued, "The evidence in this case is disturbing and my prayers are with the victims who, thank God, are somewhere safe. We will seek swift and complete justice against the accused; nothing matters more than protecting our kids."

The Department of Justice announced the charges against both defendants on Sept. 14.

Charles Vinson was reportedly charged with six counts of first-degree child abuse, 12 counts of second-degree conspiracy, nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree reckless endangering, two counts of third-degree conspiracy, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of act of intimidation, three counts of menacing, three counts of third-degree child abuse, three counts of endangering the welfare, and two counts of false statement.

According to the Department of Justice, Mary Vinson was charged with seven counts of first-degree child abuse, 12 counts of second-degree conspiracy, two counts of third-degree conspiracy, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, six counts of menacing, 71 counts of second-degree reckless endangering, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, 225 counts of third-degree child abuse, three counts of first-degree reckless endangering, 11 counts of first-degree attempted child abuse, seven counts of strangulation, one count of attempted strangulation, 244 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of act of intimidation, and three counts of false statement.

Mary Vinson faces a minimum sentence of 40 years and a maximum sentence of over 1,150 years in prison if convicted. Meanwhile, Charles Vinson reportedly faces a minimum sentence of 16 years and a maximum sentence of more than 270 years if convicted.

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• DOJ secures 646 charges against husband, wife for serial child abuse and torture - Delaware Attorney General