DAVIS COUNTY, Ind. (WAWV/WTWO) — Two parents in Davis County have been charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Injury, due to their child appearing to be underweight and appearing ill, said investigators.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit (PCA), by the Washington Police Department, a Family Case Manager and officer with the Washington Police Department went to the home of Denise Boucher and Livensone Boucher, after it was alleged that they had been malnourished.
Investigators say during their visit to the home they had observed one of their two children looked to be extremely thin, underweight and malnourished. The mother, Denise Boucher, told investigators that the child had lost thirty to forty pounds and had not seen a doctor since moving to Washington a year prior. The PCA states that Denise Boucher told investigators that the child had also not seen a doctor since 2016 or 2017 and states religious reasons for not seeking medical attention.
After visiting the home and speaking with Denise Boucher, the PCA says that the Family Case Manager then informed the mother that the department would be taking the child from her and the fathers care, and due to the child’s appearance, they would also be taken to Daviess County Community Hospital and be evaluated.
During the evaluation at the hospital, investigators say that the child’s hemoglobin levels were at 7. Investigators say that the normal range is 13.6 to 16.5. It was also observed that the child had colitis and needed to receive a blood transfusion says investigators. According to the PCA after being evaluated at Daviess County Community Hospital, the child was transferred to St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville.
While at St. Vincents, a Sergeant with the Washington Police Department Spoke with the aunt of the child. According to investigators she stated they feared for the safety of the family because Livensone was very controlling. Also, while at the hospital, investigators say due to statements from Livensone saying he would harm himself and his children, he was then banned from the property and from seeing his child.
According to the PCA due to the child’s condition, its apparent that the parents neglected the child’s medical health causing him significant medical duress and pain. Investigators say that the child could have long term lasting consequences to his vital organs and mental health from this neglect.
