Parents force daughter to live in woods after she eats snack without permission

A couple have been arrested after allegedly forcing their 14-year-old daughter to live in the woods as a cruel punishment

Parents force daughter to live in woods after she eats snack without permission

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

According to 22 News, James Driggers and his wife, Crystal, lost their tempers when their 14-year-old daughter ate a Pop Tart without permission.

In an attempt to punish her for her behaviour, the parents ordered the child to set up a tent in the woods over a quarter of a mile from her home.

She was provided with only a roll of toilet paper, a flashlight, a whistle, and a watch.

Police said that the girl was told by her parents to meet "someone" at a fence on the family's property at specific times during the day if she wanted to receive any food.

The 14-year-old was expected to stay away from her home for a week, and was left to fend for herself throughout several severe thunderstorms that hit the town on Thursday night.

She was found by local authorities after two days.

Stock image
Stock image

Her parents have, meanwhile, been arrested on charges of child neglect.

Police spokesman Braden Bunch told NBC News: "We feel very confident that the parents were overstepping their bounds, from trying to correct a child's behaviour to true criminal punishment."

The family has five other children who have currently been placed in the custody of their grandparents.

The 14-year-old girl is currently with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, according to authorities.

Holding image obtained via Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

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