PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – A southern Ohio woman being tried on rape, kidnapping and other charges related to her grandchildren says she didn't abuse them or allow others to do so and alleges they lied about being chained, beaten, underfed and sexually assaulted.
She testified in her own defense Wednesday at trial in Scioto (sy-OH'-tuh) County. She said when two granddaughters told her their mother's boyfriend raped them, she didn't seek help because she examined them and saw no problem, and she feared the man.
A prosecutor says the woman was the children's guardian and didn't want to lose government benefits paid for them.
The Wheelersburg case arose after one girl emailed a teacher for help. The children's mother and her boyfriend previously pleaded guilty to rape charges and were sentenced to prison.
The Associated isn't naming the adults to protect the children's identities.
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