2/8/12 – A Beaver Dam woman is being held on a $2000 cash bond for her alleged role in a severe case child abuse and neglect. Three children – ages 12, seven and one – were found by police who were responding to a tip from a relative. Authorities entered the home on the night of January 20 and found the children starving, huddled together on a couch wrapped in blankets to keep them from freezing. The baby had bruising, and blistering consistent with burns. The oldest was found with dried eggs on his head in a room littered with food. The middle child had scrapes from reportedly being thrown down the stairs. The prime suspect is not their father. 44-year-old Larry Hillyer is charged with felony child abuse but is not yet in custody. Police say they found Hillyer and the children’s mother upstairs, under a blanket, unable to comprehend questioning. Investigators say she turned a blind eye to the assaults. Everyone in the home, though, may have fallen victim to Hillyer’s physical and psychological abuse. According to the criminal complaint, Hillyer made everyone refer to him as “god,” even police when he was questioned. The mother will be back in court a week from tomorrow when a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to order a trial. A warrant has been issued for Hillyer’s arrest. The children were treated at a local hospital and are currently with relatives
