MISSOULA – Two Missoula foster parents say they are not guilty of abusing their adopted daughter, and are accused of allegedly making her eat her own vomit when she got sick.
Malcolm and Angela Cobler both pleaded not guilty Thursday to multiple assault on a minor charges as well as child endangerment and endangering the welfare of children.
Missoula police responded to a report of child abuse on July 23 and upon arriving at the Cobler’s home uncovered evidence of the possible abuse.
The 11-year-old victim in question was noticeably emaciated and had bruising all over her back.
Law enforcement also discovered a lock on the child’s door, a bucket for a toilet in her room, a surveillance camera and duct tape that was used to restrain the child.
The victims room also had duct tape on the floor to show her where to stand so she would be in view of the surveillance cameras.
Court documents say that the girl would go long stretches without food and that she would be forced to eat her own vomit.
The couple would also make food inedible by putting extremely excessive amounts of hot sauce or hot peppers on the food.
Angela Cobler’s trial is set for September 9 and Malcom’s trial is scheduled for August 12.
