What to Know
- The child was removed from the home by BSO investigators during the May 16th incident.
Three people were arrested after disturbing allegations of abuse came to light involving a foster child inside of a Fort Lauderdale home.
Broward Sheriff’s Office officials charged 57-year-old Turella Forman and her 27-year-old son Rashad with aggravated child abuse on Friday while also charging 56-year-old Duane Fletcher with neglecting a child with great bodily harm. Both members of the Forman family were released on $75,000 bond while Fletcher remains behind bars on $50,000 bond.
According to an arrest report, police were called to the home on May 16th where they found the young victim covered with scars, scabs and bruises that came from her being whipped with an object. The victim said that her foster brother and mother allegedly beat her a few days before using a jump rope and a phone charging cord.
In the report, the victim said the beatings were due to a school related issue while telling police that she was told by both Formans to “get your rag”, which was a cloth for her to put in her mouth so no one could hear her scream, while Fletcher allegedly watched the incidents take place and did not stop them.
During interviews with investigators, Rashad Forman admitted to hitting the victim with a belt but denied using a jump rope as the victim told police. Forman’s mother denied striking the victim at all.
The child was removed from the home by BSO investigators during the May 16th incident.
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Investigators say that they were called to the home in 2018 following several complaints from the girl alleging her foster mother forced her to sleep with a hanger clip on her lip because she “wouldn’t close her mouth” according to the girl. Child protection officials did not find immediate danger to the child at that time, according to the arrest report.
Both members of the Forman family were ordered not to be within 1,000 feet of the victim while also ordering a medical evaluation and treatment for the mother.
