PA Woman Accused Of Bounding Young Stepson's Legs, Forcing Him To Take Laxatives

QUARRYVILLE, Pa. (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania woman is accused of repeatedly abusing her four-year-old stepson including bounding his legs and locking him in a padded closet for hours.

Danielle Miller, 31 was taken into custody on Monday for the alleged abuse that police say happened over a four-month period.

Miller is also accused of forcing the young boy to eat laxatives and hot sauce and throwing out verbal insults, calling him a "[expletive] pig" and telling him he has a "stupid, ugly face."

According to officials, the boy's father, 30-year-old Nathan Duke was also arrested and charged with felony counts of endangerment and conspiracy for concealing and not reporting the abuse.

Police say the investigation began after an acquaintance of the couple reported that they suspected abuse. The boy was removed from the couple's Quarryville home in July following the investigation and is now in the care of relatives. He sustained lacerations, bruises and burns.

Three other children who lived at the couple's home are now in the care of local Children & Youth services. Officials say no charges have been filed regarding those children.

Authorities believe Miller's motive for the abuse may have been resentment since the 4-year-old was Duke's child with another woman.

Both Duke and Miller were unable to post bail and remain in jail.

Miller was charged with eight felonies including aggravated assault, endangering a child, false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and harassment.

Preliminary hearings for Duke and Miller are expected in the coming weeks.