Woman Accused Of Abusing Little Boy Convicted

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- An east Oklahoma woman accused of abusing her 4-year-old grand-nephew has been convicted of felony child abuse and faces a 40-year-prison term.<br/>A jury in Sequoyah County convicted

Thursday, June 7th 2007, 6:39 am

By: News On 6

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- An east Oklahoma woman accused of abusing her 4-year-old grand-nephew has been convicted of felony child abuse and faces a 40-year-prison term.
A jury in Sequoyah County convicted Sharon Smith Wednesday and recommended the prison term after about three-and-half hours of deliberations Wednesday night.

Smith was accused of gagging and tying up the boy with tape, stomping his feet and putting handcuffs on him and keeping him in a closet.

The now 6-year-old boy weighed only about 25 pounds when he was found and taken into custody two years ago. He's now living with a couple who plan to adopt him.

His mother has already been convicted of permitting child abuse and neglect and is serving a 16-year prison term.

His stepfather and Smith's daughter are awaiting trial on similar charges.

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11/6/2006 - A Muskogee County Child Abuse Case Isn't Over Despite A Jury Conviction

3/25/2007 - Abuse Suspect Heads To Court

6/5/2007 - Abused Boy Testifies Against Great Aunt

6/6/2007 - Accused Woman's Attorney Portrays Her As Protector, Not Abuser