BEDFORD— Cherry Blattert, a resident of Springville, pleaded guilty this morning to neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, in a negotiated plea deal. The plea was accepted during a hearing in Lawrence County Superior Court II before Special Judge Christine Talley Haseman.
Blattert’s legal troubles date back to her arrest on November 7, 2019, when she faced more serious charges, including neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 felony. She was released from custody on November 26, 2019, after posting a $2,000 cash bond.
In today’s proceedings, Blattert waived the typical 30-day sentencing requirement and will be sentenced on January 17, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The case gained significant attention due to the involvement of Cherry’s husband, Scott Blattert, who was found guilty in May 2023 of violently abusing their children. Scott was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his actions, which included using industrial glue sticks and a belt as methods of discipline. During his sentencing, he defended his actions as justified responses to the children’s behavior and has since appealed his conviction, a move upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Cherry testified during her husband’s trial, waiving her Fifth Amendment rights, which allowed her statements to be used against her in her legal case. She revealed that the couple has 11 children, all of whom are currently living with foster families or have been adopted after their parental rights were terminated.
Throughout the trial, Cherry emphasized the couple’s religious beliefs, stating, “God is sovereign in all parts of our life,” and claimed that Scott was the head of the household, asserting, “The husband is the head of the house. He is the primary provider.”
The couple previously attempted to invoke Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act in their defense, arguing that biblical teachings on discipline justified their actions. However, Judge Plummer rejected this defense, a ruling later upheld by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
