Alleged child abuse investigation continues

The two women accused by protestors of abusing children in their care fought back in Sixth District Carlton County court Tuesday.

More than 100 people observed the online hearing, which ultimately continued the removal of 10 children from their Cloquet homes as allegations of abuse on the part of their caretakers are being investigated. The investigation and legal actions came about after photos and video of the alleged abuse were circulated widely on Facebook earlier this month, and protesters gathered outside both homes as well as the county courthouse and community services building many days in a row, getting statewide media attention. Both the children and the alleged abusers are Native American.

Attorneys representing the two parents argued that their clients did not receive due process as the investigation into the allegations are still being investigated. They said there is no immediate threat to the children, especially those who were not seen in the photos and videos.

They said the children are undergoing "mental harm" by not being with their parents, especially with the alleged abuse being aired on social media. Both women either adopted or were awarded legal custody of the children in their care. None are foster children anymore.

Sixth District Carlton County judge Rebekka Stumme said state law allows the removal of children when concerns come up and disagreed that the women's rights were violated.

The attorneys for the women also asked that all complaints and reports gathered from social workers about the care of the children be made available, something Claire Klein, child protection attorney for Carlton County, said would be unprecedented in an ongoing investigation.

Both the county and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa support the removal as the case is investigated.

Stumme ordered that no one involved in the cases post any material regarding them to social media.

The judge continued the emergency removal order. The parties involved were encouraged to work out visits with the children by siblings and caretakers. She said mental health advocates should also be made available for the children.

Another hearing was scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. today, Friday, Jan. 28.