Zip-Tied 4-Year-Old: Parents Accused of Child Abuse

North Carolina law enforcement say a couple allegedly zip tied their young daughter’s ankles and wrists to a baby gate, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

According to Raleigh Police, Gerald Thomas Swinehart, 26, and Marlaine Victoria Coffey, purportedly used zip ties on their four-year old daughter that are typically used by electricians. Swinehart is also accused of physically abusing—by pushing and kicking—the girl to the point that her lower lip pierced by her bottom teeth.

According to arrest warrants, the physical abuse took place earlier in the year. Social Services took custody of the child on March 31.

The charges the two parents face include:

— -- Swinehart: Two counts of intentional child abuse inflicting serious physical injury. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

— --Coffey: One count of intentional child abuse inflicting serious physical injury. She is being held under $50,000 bond.