Parents Arrested, Dad Accused Of 'Waterboarding' Daughter
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GEORGETOWN, Del. -
A Delaware man accused of "waterboarding" his daughter faces reckless endangerment, child endangerment and conspiracy charges along with his wife, state police said Wednesday.
Charged with seven counts each are Melvin L. Morse, 58, and Pauline L. Morse, 40, both of Georgetown.
Police said the victims in the case are their 11- and 5-year-old daughters.
The alleged incidents occurred between May 2009 and May 2011 on the 20000 block of Lewes-Georgetown Highway, authorities said.
The father is being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on bail set at $14,500, while the mother was released on bond of the same amount.
Police said their investigation began after detectives were informed of a July 12 domestic assault during which Melvin Morse allegedly grabbed the 11-year-old by her ankle and began dragging her across a gravel driveway. According to police, he then brought the girl inside the home and began spanking her.
The father was arrested on four days later on two endangerment and assault counts and was released after posting $750 bail.
Then, on Monday, the 11-year-old was brought to the Child Advocacy Center, where she was interviewed and told detectives that over a two-year period she was disciplined by her father using what he called "waterboarding." She alleged that her father, on at least four occasions, held the her face under a running facet, causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face.
The mother is accused of witnessing a few of these incidents and failing to stop her husband, police said.
Both parents were arrested Tuesday at their home. At their arraignment, they were ordered not to have any contact with each other or their children, who are now in the care of Division of Family Services, police said.
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