Youngstown, Ohio – Authorities say an 11-year-old boy who was discovered wandering alone inside a Target store told police he had escaped ongoing abuse at home, leading to the conviction and sentencing of his mother in a disturbing child-endangerment case.
Prosecutors said Stacie Gilmore, 51, regularly tied her son with zip ties, electrical cords, and pipes, restraining him in the basement and assaulting him when he attempted to leave. A judge sentenced her to three years of probation, mental-health treatment, and additional jail time after a jury found her guilty of multiple charges connected to the abuse.
Child’s Claims Emerged After He Was Found Alone in Target
Investigators said the child’s ordeal came to light in 2023 when store workers noticed he was alone and contacted law enforcement. The boy then detailed months of mistreatment, including being bound with cords and beaten while restrained.
According to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, the child described being tied up for extended periods and struck with household objects. His statements became the foundation of the criminal case that unfolded over the next year.
Jury Conviction Followed Three-Day Trial
Gilmore was convicted in October of unlawful restraint, two counts of child endangerment, and domestic violence after a three-day jury trial. She was acquitted of felony kidnapping, a charge that could have carried up to a decade in prison.
During opening statements, Assistant Prosecutor Caitlyn Andrews told jurors that the boy endured deliberate and repeated abuse in his home.
“While he was tied up, she would hit him with these objects and she would abuse him,” Andrews said in court.
Gilmore testified in her own defense, insisting she never restrained or harmed her son. She admitted to tying a bedsheet around her leg and attaching it to the boy to stop him from leaving the home at night but denied using zip ties or inflicting injuries.
Defense Claimed the Boy Lied to Punish His Mother
Gilmore and her attorney argued the child fabricated the allegations because he disliked her strict parenting rules. She reportedly limited his internet access, did not allow him to attend a traditional school, and took away items as discipline.
Defense attorney Jim Lanzo told jurors the boy wanted more freedom and made accusations to get her “in trouble.” Gilmore claimed the child sometimes left the home without permission while she slept, prompting her attempts to keep him close.
Child Reported Being Restrained in the Basement
The boy testified that he was tied up in the basement and forced to sleep there. Gilmore denied this and claimed he slept on the couch because he had damaged multiple beds by jumping on them.
Despite her denials, the jury found that the child’s testimony, combined with evidence presented by prosecutors, supported the guilty verdicts.
Gilmore Told Court She Was “Not a Criminal”
At sentencing, Gilmore insisted she had done nothing wrong.
“I am not a criminal,” she told the judge. “I am a beacon to this community. I help people that are on drugs.”
Local reports said she had hoped for leniency and believed the justice system would recognize her intentions as a parent. However, the judge imposed strict conditions to protect the child and prevent further harm.
Sentencing: Probation, Mental-Health Treatment, and Jail Time
Gilmore received:
- Three years of probation
- Mandatory mental-health treatment
- A total of eight months in jail, with 55 additional days ordered to complete that term
- A no-contact order with her son, which will remain in effect throughout probation
If she violates probation terms, Gilmore could face up to three years in prison.
Mahoning County Children’s Services removed the boy from the home shortly after the investigation began, and he remains under the agency’s protection.
Broader Concerns Around Child Safety
Cases like this highlight how child-abuse victims sometimes reveal mistreatment only when they manage to escape or come into contact with adults outside the home. Retail workers, teachers, and neighbors often play a crucial role in identifying warning signs and reporting suspicions.
Officials urge the public to stay alert to unusual behavior, visible injuries, or children left unattended for long periods. Quick reporting can prevent serious harm and help authorities intervene before abuse escalates.
Conclusion
The disturbing case underscores the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and thorough investigation when children show signs of distress or neglect. As Gilmore begins probation with strict monitoring requirements, the child involved is now receiving protection and support through county services.
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