A 35-year-old Indiana man has been charged with serious child neglect and intimidation after multiple children accused him of subjecting them to hours of forced standing, physical abuse, and violent threats. Authorities say the incidents took place in early October at his home, where the children claim they were terrorized.
Alleged Abuse and Intimidation at Home
According to the court affidavit, the man, identified as Curtis Edward Bordenkircher, is accused of verbally and physically abusing four children living in or visiting his residence. One child stated that she was beaten with a belt, dragged by the ankles, and repeatedly insulted, then forced to stand in a corner until her legs went numb. During these episodes, she said, he called her “a disappointment, dumb and retarded.”
Another child reported being shoved against a wall, grabbed by the neck, and threatened multiple times.
A third victim claimed that Bordenkircher threatened to kill him and his siblings, telling them he would “slaughter them in their sleep” if they didn’t stay silent. He allegedly displayed a knife during these threats.
A fourth victim said the children were forced to stand motionless in a corner for as long as six hours at a time. The child said they would sneak off to use the bathroom only when he left the house for short periods.
Investigation, Charges & Court Response
Officials responded after one of the children texted their mother to alert her to the abuse. When law enforcement arrived, Bordenkircher insisted the children were fine. However, the kids all shook their heads “no” when asked if they were having a good night; younger children began crying in front of officers.
During interviews, the children said that Bordenkircher drank heavily—describing “beer, after beer, after beer”—and became violent or threatening when intoxicated.
He faces charges of neglect and intimidation involving four children. A judge set a bond at $600, which Bordenkircher paid, and he was released from custody. He pleaded not guilty on his behalf, and he is scheduled to appear in court again soon.
If convicted of the current charges, he could face up to 2½ years in prison.
