John Jefferson
From left: Sarah Session and Gary and Paula Hardenburg (Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office).
An Oregon woman and her parents are behind bars and stand accused of several counts of child abuse, according to authorities.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that a grand jury indicted 33-year-old Sarah Marie Session, her father Gary Hardenburg, 65, and her mother Paula Hardenburg, 60, last Tuesday on a slew of child abuse allegations.
Session faces the most serious charges including second-degree attempted murder, assault, criminal mistreatment and coercion. Her parents stand accused of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence. After indictment the trio appeared to be “avoiding contact with law enforcement.” But cops allegedly found them holed up in a hotel in Coos County, which is on the Beaver State coast. They were taken into custody.
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The Oregonian newspaper and Portland ABC affiliate KATU obtained the indictments that detailed some of the allegations. The alleged incidents occurred between June 1, 2023, and Feb. 6. 2024, the documents reportedly said. Session is accused of forcing a child under the age of 10 eat his own vomit and hit the boy with curtain rods and a window stopper. She also allegedly withheld food and medical care.
Session, a licensed teacher who works with special education students, showed a “lack of remorse” over her actions, police said. She reportedly has three children including a step-child from a previous marriage. It’s unclear if the crimes occurred at a school, her home or some combination of both.
The court documents reportedly noted that Session violated her professional responsibility to care and educate children. Deputies said they filed the charges after a “lengthy investigation” into the family. Nearly 20 witnesses testified to the grand jury.
Authorities haven’t publicly detailed the allegations against the Hardenburgs.
Following their arrest in Coos County, authorities transported to the Deschutes County Jail where they remain without bond. They have a court hearing scheduled for Monday.
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