In Anderson County, a mother says what began as an attempt to provide healing and stability for her struggling teenage daughter took a turn no one expected. The adults who were in charge of her safety are now behind bars. Christine Mitchell said her daughter was struggling with drug use, behavioral issues, and was heading […]
In Anderson County, a mother says what began as an attempt to provide healing and stability for her struggling teenage daughter took a turn no one expected. The adults who were in charge of her safety are now behind bars. Christine Mitchell said her daughter was struggling with drug use, behavioral issues, and was heading down the wrong path. In an effort to find a positive outlet, Mitchell enrolled her in therapeutic horseback riding lessons at Stephen Family Equestrian. Mitchell says after many lessons, the owners of the equestrian facility, Carolyn and Johnathon Stephens, offered to enter into a guardianship arrangement to help the teenager. Mitchell agreed, believing it would provide her daughter with the right direction, healing and support she needed.“The goals were to get her clean, to find her an outlet other than drugs and the wrong crowd. She was to go over there and do home school and go to her counseling,” Mitchell explained. According to Mitchell, the Stephens did not allow her to visit her daughter. “I was blocked from seeing my child, I was not allowed to come and visit,” Mitchell said. After the refused visits, Mitchell says South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) launched an investigation. “DSS told me that I could not go get her until the case was closed,” Mitchell said. On Dec. 14, Mitchell said DSS ordered her to retrieve her daughter, but when she arrived, her daughter went missing. According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, a search began with the use of many deputies, K-9 units and drones, combing the area around the equestrian center. “As a mom, you’re to know where your kids are and to take care of your kids and not knowing where they are and not being able to do that is horrific,” Mitchell said.After nearly two days, the teenager was located. Investigators allege that Carolyn and Johnathon Stephens had been harboring the teen and providing her with alcohol and marijuana. “I thought they were good people. I thought they were trying to help,” said Mitchell. The couple has been charged with unlawful neglect of a minor. Mitchell said her daughter is now back home, safe with family.
According to Mitchell, the Stephens did not allow her to visit her daughter.
On Dec. 14, Mitchell said DSS ordered her to retrieve her daughter, but when she arrived, her daughter went missing. Mitchell says after many lessons, the owners of the equestrian facility, Carolyn and Johnathon Stephens, offered to enter into a guardianship arrangement to help the teenager. Mitchell agreed, believing it would provide her daughter with the right direction, healing and support she needed.“DSS told me that I could not go get her until the case was closed,” Mitchell said. In Anderson County, a mother says what began as an attempt to provide healing and stability for her struggling teenage daughter took a turn no one expected. The adults who were in charge of her safety are now behind bars.
“The goals were to get her clean, to find her an outlet other than drugs and the wrong crowd. She was to go over there and do home school and go to her counseling,” Mitchell explained.
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According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, a search began with the use of many deputies, K-9 units and drones, combing the area around the equestrian center. “I was blocked from seeing my child, I was not allowed to come and visit,” Mitchell said. The couple has been charged with unlawful neglect of a minor. After nearly two days, the teenager was located. Investigators allege that Carolyn and Johnathon Stephens had been harboring the teen and providing her with alcohol and marijuana. “As a mom, you’re to know where your kids are and to take care of your kids and not knowing where they are and not being able to do that is horrific,” Mitchell said.Mitchell said her daughter is now back home, safe with family. Christine Mitchell said her daughter was struggling with drug use, behavioral issues, and was heading down the wrong path. In an effort to find a positive outlet, Mitchell enrolled her in therapeutic horseback riding lessons at Stephen Family Equestrian.
