Guardian, Brother Charged With Physically Abusing Child In Iredell County

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A child’s guardian and his brother have been charged with physically abusing the boy, including fracturing his face, in Statesville, after someone filed a report with authorities.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after an individual who had received text messages and images from a family member living at 108 Peacock Hollar Road, where the abuse allegedly occurred.

Detectives responded to the Peacock Hollar Road Residence to check on the welfare of the child.

The victim was identified as a 12-year-old boy, who lived also lived at the residence.  The suspects were identified as 71-year-old Frances Kay Campbell Miller and, the child’s brother, 20-year-old Dustin Webb Miller.

Investigators say Frances Miller held the child’s hands behind his back while Dustin Miller hit the child in the face with his fist, resulting in an orbital fracture to the boy’s face.

Authorities say Frances Miller also duct taped the child to a chair and left him overnight.

Iredell County Department of Social Services took temporary custody of the victim along with other juveniles living in the home.

Frances Miller was charged with Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury, two counts of Misdemeanor Child Abuse, and Misdemeanor False Imprisonment.  She received a $,25,000 secured bond.

Dustin Miller was charged with Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and Misdemeanor Simple Assault.  He received a $22,500 secured bond.