Deputy Attorney General in Pennsylvania Charged With Abuse of Two Children Adopted From Ethiopia

It really does not get worse that this in terms of allegations of misconduct. Pennsylvania deputy attorney general Douglas B. Barbour, 33, and his wife, Kristen B. Barbour, 30, have been charged with child endangerment and assault of two children they adopted from Ethiopia just this year. There is also an aggravated assault charge against them both for the abuse of the 18-month-old daughter. The other child is a six-year-old boy.

The daughter experienced abusive head trauma but Mr. Barbour insisted that she has a history of banging her head. However, the hospital found no support for their alleged history. The doctors found evidence of extended abuse of the boy including lesions that they believe resulted from contact with urine. Notably, while he was underweight, the boy gained weight quickly at the hospital.

Doctors say that the girl may have suffered a stroke from the alleged abuse and showed five different bone fractures and the injuries. She may now be permanently blind as a result.

Given the age of the children, much of the case may be circumstantial as to the cause and age of injuries. Since the kids were adopted this year, there may be claims of preexisting injuries.

A review of Barbour shows that he is mainly listed in prisoner cases representing the state.

Source: Post Gazette