Walworth Co. couple accused of child abuse headed to trial

Kathleen O'Brien

ELKHORN — A Walworth County couple accused of abusing their adopted children will be going to trial.

Kathleen and Martin O’Brien face 17 criminal charges — including ten counts of child abuse.

During their preliminary hearing on Friday, July 6th, a judge ruled there was enough evidence to bind the O’Briens over for trial.

Martin O’Brien

Court papers say their three adopted children were abused over several years. Investigators say the couple made the children stand out in the snow without shoes, stand naked on the back porch, and even pepper-sprayed one child.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

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