Abused Boy Testifies Against Great Aunt

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- His face and body were shielded by a screen but a 6-year-old boy's testimony about abuse allegedly at the hands of his great aunt held the jury spellbound.<br/><br/>The child

Tuesday, June 5th 2007, 6:25 am

By: News On 6

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- His face and body were shielded by a screen but a 6-year-old boy's testimony about abuse allegedly at the hands of his great aunt held the jury spellbound.

The child told Sequoyah County jurors what he endured Monday, the first day of Sharon Smith's trial on a child abuse count.

Smith and three other relatives were charged with abusing and torturing the child when he was 4 years old and living in Braggs.

Referring to Smith as "mean Sharon," the child alleged she put duct tape on his mouth so he would be quiet in a closet.

The boy also said Smith and her daughter, Brenna, put handcuffs on his hands and ankles because they didn't want him to touch anything.

The child testified he didn't eat or drink very much, mostly noodles and animal crackers, while staying at Smith's. When authorities found him, he weighed 26 pounds.

Sharon Smith has denied wrongdoing.

She often held a Bible, took notes or put her head down during the child's testimony.

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

2/24/2006 - Judge Rules Against Bail For Woman Accused Of Abusing Son

11/22/2005 - Court Hearing Held In A Muskogee County Child Abuse Case