Utah couple accused of waterboarding daughter as punishment

Utah couple accused of waterboarding daughter as punishment

PROVO, Utah (AP) — A Utah couple is accused of waterboarding their 9-year-old daughter as a form of punishment.

The Deseret News reports that the girl’s father and stepmother of Provo were booked into jail last week on suspicion of child abuse.

According to a police affidavit, an investigation began Dec. 3 following a report from child welfare workers.

The girl told police her father and stepmother tied her hands and then placed a towel over her face. She says they held her down in a bathtub and poured water on the towel.

The girl says she was unable to breathe. She says the waterboarding has occurred three times and also has reported other abuse, including being hit.

The Associated Press is not identifying the father or stepmother to protect the girl’s identity.