A woman in Monticello has been arrested after being accused of using a dangerous form of punishment on her children.
Incident Details
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Anna Bencosme, 28, was taken into custody on Tuesday.
Authorities said the incident happened around 3:20 p.m. in the parking lot of the Wayne County Justice Center, where someone called 911 reporting that a woman was screaming and pulling on a child.
Police Response
Deputies and officers from the Monticello Police Department responded to the scene. As Bencosme tried to leave the parking lot, officers stopped her vehicle.
Inside, deputies found four children. Two of them had duct tape placed across their mouths and noses. Officers immediately removed the tape.
Statements and Arrest
Officials said Bencosme told them she believed she could discipline her children however she wanted and admitted this method was used regularly.
She was arrested and booked into the Wayne County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.
Charges Filed
Bencosme is facing several serious charges, including:
- Two counts of first-degree strangulation (domestic violence)
- Two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor
- Two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment
Children’s Safety and Investigation
The children were placed in the care of their father. State child protection services have also started an investigation to check on their wellbeing.
