MUSKOGEE, OK – An Oklahoma grandmother is in legal jeopardy after authorities say she failed to report her young granddaughter’s pregnancy, which culminated in the child giving birth at home.
Michelle Justus, the maternal grandmother, has been charged with six counts of felony child neglect, according to the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office. These charges relate to the 11-year-old and five other children residing in the home.
Living across the street, Justus was considered the children’s caretaker. Court documents allege she neglected to provide proper supervision and medical care, leaving the children in poor living conditions.
Prosecutors claim Justus was in frequent contact with the 11-year-old and did not report the pregnancy, despite being aware of it. The child gave birth on August 16.
The girl’s mother, Cherie Walker, and stepfather, Dustin Walker, were arrested last month. DNA tests reportedly confirmed Dustin Walker as the father of the baby.
Cherie Walker faces charges of enabling child sex abuse, while Dustin Walker is charged with sexual abuse of a child under 12. Both also face six counts of felony child neglect, and remain in custody without bond.
Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson called the case one of the most severe child abuse and neglect cases she has prosecuted.
The other children, aged 9, 7, 6, 4, and 2, have been removed from the home. Authorities described unsanitary conditions, including dog feces and children without clothing.
The case has sparked concern over child welfare, as the community grapples with the disturbing revelations.