Oregon woman sentenced to 100 months for repeated child abuse
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Washington County woman was sentenced to prison Tuesday after being indicted last May for child abuse, which included chaining a young child to a bed multiple times for long periods.
Ana Mercedes Miranda, 68, was sentenced to 100 months in prison on charges including four counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, unlawful use of a weapon and tampering with a witness.
Miranda and her husband, Charles Ward were indicted in May 2023 after detectives investigated their unincorporated Tigard home on child abuse reports.
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Detectives said they learned that a child under 10 years old was regularly tied to his bed and was deprived of proper nutrition. Eventually, it progressed to use of a metal chain and padlocks to bind the child to furniture in the house.
According to the sentencing, Miranda would also frequently physically abuse the child and his siblings.
During the investigation, Miranda denied any physical abuse, but authorities said that other children in the home confirmed it was happening.
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Authorities also said that while in custody, Miranda attempted to contact the victims by mail and dissuade them from testifying against her in court.
Miranda will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve her sentence.
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