"Jane" FRANKLIN - 15 yo/ Accused: Parents - Diana and Sam Franklin - Butler GA

BUTLER, Ga. --

The parents accused of physically abusing their 15-year-old
daughter and locking her in a chicken coop were in juvenile court
Thursday.

Diana and Samuel Franklin attended a placement hearing in Taylor County.

Both parties requested a closed hearing Thursday and since it's a
juvenile case the records are sealed. The hearing was intended to be
about who should retain custody of the child. She was removed from their
Butler home in late May after allegations that they abused her.

Investigators say she is still in the state's custody.

When officials arrested the Franklins on Tuesday, they found a shock
collar inside the home that was allegedly used on the daughter. The
victim told investigators during an interview that it was a form of
punishment. It has been sent to the crime lab for investigation.
Investigators said when the initial search on the house was conducted
June 4^th they found receipts for one, but never found it.

The Franklins and their attorney, Kevin Bradley, did not comment
after the hearing. The Department of Children and Family Services also
declined to say anything.

Several witnesses testified Thursday, and while media wasn't allowed
inside, neighbors outside talked about the case that has the Franklins
facing several child cruelty and false imprisonment charges.

They described the situation as disgusting, saying they saw the
15-year-old girl picking up rocks and working in the garden at her home.

One person said the mom only fed her daughter bread and water and
Mrs. Franklin said she punished her child because the Bible told her to.

Another remembers talking to the mom, who referred to herself as a
woman featured in the Book of Titus, Chapter Two from the Bible.

News Three reached out to the Franklin's attorney again about the
allegations neighbors are making. He has not returned phone calls or
e-mail.

Taylor County Sheriff Jeff Watson spoke after the hearing. "You know,
court... court is where all the decisions are made as far as the
permanent decisions."

Taylor County Juvenile Court Judge Wayne Jernigan said he is waiting on the criminal charges before he proceeds with the case.

A juvenile court attorney told News Three that usually parents have
to go through a reunification process to get their child back and any
criminal charges have to be dispelled.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation case is still open and analysis
of evidence and more interviews are being done. Once the investigation
wraps up, the case will be presented to District Attorney Julia Slater's
office to decide if it will go before a grand jury.

"We'll start having hearings and the court will take its process and
we'll see how it unfolds,” the sheriff said about the placement hearing.

Diana Franklin is charged with 12 counts of 1^st Degree Cruelty to Children and 4 counts of False Imprisonment. Samuel Franklin is charged with 8 counts of 1^st Degree Cruelty to Children and 8 counts of False Imprisonment.

They made bail the same day they were arrested.

GBI officials said the parents won’t likely be arrested again. The next step would be an indictment.

Special Agent in Charge Wayne Smith, said when he interviewed the
girl she seemed to be doing “surprisingly well,” but added that he was
not an official on the matter. Smith said she was polite and respectful
and he believed she knew the alleged abuse was “very wrong.”
http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2012/jul/12/taylor-co-parents-accused-child-cruelty-appear-juv-ar-4122124/

The attorney representing the Taylor County couple charged with
multiple counts of child abuse, and false imprisonment is speaking out.
Just like his clients, attorney Kevin Bradley has strong beliefs. He calls Diana and Samuel Franklin good people.

"My impressions are this is a loving family, a family of deep religious faith," says Bradley.

The Franklin's reputation has now been challenged. The couple was
arrested last week after a GBI investigation was launched in late May.
Their adopted daughter was removed from their home after allegations
surfaced that the couple locked their 15-year-old adopted daughter in a
chicken coop.


"They're charged with, um, each charged with a number of counts of
false imprisonment and child cruelty, arising out of allegations
apparently made by the child," says Bradley.

Those allegations led to the search of this property. GBI Special
Agent Wayne Smith told 41 NBC last week evidence collected throughout
the investigation included hand-written material, a leather belt, and a
canine shock collar.

Now, these items and witness testimony are being used to build a case
against the Franklin's. Smith says the case is strong. Bradley says if
this case moves into the courtroom, he believes the Franklin's name will
be cleared.

"I believe that the evidence will exonerate them."
http://www.41nbc.com/news/local-news/13686-lawyer-for-taylor-county-couple-charged-with-child-abuse-speaks-out