MARTINSVILLE – A Morgan County couple faces over 100 combined charges, including child molestation, human trafficking, and neglect, after authorities uncovered years of abuse and exploitation.
Brian and Sonja Stafford, both 60, were indicted in December on charges stemming from alleged abuse of children in their care over 13 years. The victims, who were fostered, adopted, or foreign exchange students, endured severe physical and emotional abuse, according to a recently released probable cause affidavit.
The 155-page document details a horrifying pattern of abuse, including:
- Extreme Discipline: Children were subjected to harsh punishments, including forced farm labor, food deprivation, and a “button box” system where colored buttons determined the severity of punishment.
- Physical Abuse: Victims reported beatings, strangulation, and excessive spankings.
- Sexual Abuse: Brian Stafford faces charges of molesting four children and impregnating one of the victims.
- Deprivation: Children were denied fundamental freedoms such as celebrating holidays and birthdays.
The affidavit states that 33 children were in the Staffords’ custody, with 11 named as victims.
Brian Stafford is accused of molesting four victims who were younger than 14 and impregnating one of the victims, court documents say.
Police say much of Sonja Stafford’s punishments came from spanking, physically beating, or strangling the children. She is also accused of stopping at least eight of the victims from giving information to police and the Department of Child Services.
Brian Stafford faces 59 felony charges, while Sonja Stafford faces 58 and four misdemeanors. They have both pleaded not guilty.
Online court records list Brian Stafford moved to New Castle. Sonja Stafford is listed as living in Plainfield. The two filed for divorce in May, which was finalized in November.
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