LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Two parents accused of abusing their children for over two years by allegedly locking them inside dog cages signed guilty plea offers to criminal abuse indictments, per court records.
Brian and Kayla Smith were indicted on March 30, each on six counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under age 12. In addition to allegedly locking their children in their bedrooms or in dog cages without food, the pair was accused of burning them with cigarettes on multiple occasions over a span of over two and a half years.
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The Smiths’ daughter reportedly told investigators about the alleged abuse. Court documents further claim that their parents sometimes extended the amount of time they’d be confined.
On May 27, records show that the Commonwealth’s attorneys offered the defendants plea offers in the child abuse case ahead of a June 12 status hearing. Both parties agreed to provide discovery in future proceedings.
Kayla Smith was not given an immediate offer for pleading guilty on May 27, but records show “possible options” were discussed, including the “possibility of facilitation.” No offers were immediately made to Brian upon agreement.
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The defendants’ respective attorneys, alongside the Commonwealth’s counsel, signed both agreed-upon plea offers ahead of a June 12 hearing. Another status hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 28 in the ongoing child abuse case. Bond remains set at $75,000 for Kayla and $100,000 for Brian; they remain in the Fayette County Detention Center…