Ore. woman accused of chaining up child allegedly abused two other kids in her care

TIGARD, Ore. (TCD) -- A 67-year-old woman accused of chaining up a child for almost a year faces nine additional charges after investigators learned she allegedly abused two more children in her care.

On Thursday, July 6, a Washington County grand jury indicted Ana Miranda on five new counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, as well as four counts of tampering with a witness, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced. Miranda pleaded not guilty to the charges, The Oregonian reports.

Previously, on May 3, she was indicted on eight counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, strangulation, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. Her husband, Charles "Randy" Ward, 74, was indicted on four counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment in connection with the case.

The Sheriff’s Office first received a tip on April 26, alleging a child was "chained up in a house, often for more than 12 hours daily." The child allegedly stole drinks and food from the kitchen and was "strangled, hit, kicked, and verbally abused" as punishment.

Although the Sheriff’s Office did not disclose the suspects’ relationship to the child, officials said the couple lived with nine children and two young adults.

Child advocacy group Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services Northwest reportedly assisted the Sheriff’s Office in the investigation and determined Miranda allegedly abused two additional children.

Miranda and Ward remain held in the Washington County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

MORE:

• Woman Charged With Abusing Additional Children — Washington County Sheriff’s Office
• Washington County Jail Records
• Tigard woman accused of chaining up child inside home charged in abuse of 2 more children — The Oregonian
• Married Oregon couple accused of chaining up child for more than 12 hours a day, 5/5/2023 — TCD