Probation Violation Dismissed Against Stepmother Of Boy Found In Basement
DETROIT (WWJ) - A probation violation charge has been dismissed against the stepmother of 12-year-old Charlie Bothuell V, who was found in the basement of his home days after he went missing last month.
Wayne County Judge Gregory Bill on Friday ordered Monique Dillard-Bothuell's tether removed, and the charge dropped.
She'd been wearing as a condition of her bond since a gun was found in the home she shares with Charlie, his father, and her two biological children.
Bill said he dismissed the case because of insufficient evidence that Dillard-Bothuell violated her probation.
Defense attorney Marc Magitson is pleased.
"There was a gun that apparently was in the house -- she had no knowledge of it," said Magitson. "That's it; they take the position that if you're in any vicinity of a gun, that's a violation of their zero policy."
Magitson said that the removal of the tether will help Dillard-Bothuell tend to her children.
"She's just happy to be able to visit her two kids — be with her autistic son who needs her very much, help breastfeed her young daughter and try to put back a life that has gone awry," Magitson said.
According to court documents, 12-year-old Charlie Bothuell V told police that his stepmother put him in the basement for lying about doing a physical fitness routine. The boy also accused his father of disciplining him with a PVC pipe.
Dillard-Bothuell and her husband made no statement and there was no police testimony in court Friday. The state wants to terminate the couple's parental rights over the abuse allegations.
