New Palestine, IN – A 35-year-old Indiana man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he beat, threatened, and cruelly confined several children, forcing them to stand in a corner for hours “until their legs went numb.” The shocking allegations surfaced after one of the children texted their mother pleading for help.
The Incident: Children Forced to Stand for Hours and Beaten
According to a criminal affidavit filed in Hancock County Superior Court, Curtis Bordenkircher, 35, allegedly subjected four children to severe physical and emotional abuse inside a home in New Palestine, a small town east of Indianapolis.
The investigation began on October 15, when Hancock County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence after a child sent a text message to their mother asking for help. Once on scene, officers interviewed several children who detailed disturbing acts of cruelty and intimidation.
One of the victims told police that Bordenkircher beat her with a belt, forced her to stand in the corner of a room for hours, and called her “dumb” and a “disappointment.” Another child said he was pushed against a wall, grabbed by the neck, and threatened repeatedly.
“You all are in the corner until your legs are numb,” Bordenkircher allegedly told the children. “I have no sympathy for you. You stand all night.”
Authorities said the children were often forced to remain standing for up to six hours at a time, only sneaking to the bathroom when Bordenkircher left the house.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office launched a full investigation after hearing consistent reports of physical abuse and threats from multiple children.
According to court records obtained by the Greenfield Daily Reporter, one boy told police that Bordenkircher once took out a knife and said he would “slaughter them in their sleep” if they didn’t stop talking. The child told investigators he believed the man would carry out the threat.
A fourth child described being “whipped” while Bordenkircher drank from a tall beer can, noting that alcohol use was common for him.
“He drinks so much a day, and then he just gets mad at us. Beer, after beer, after beer,” one of the victims reportedly told deputies.
Investigators believe the abuse occurred regularly and escalated over time. The sheriff’s office confirmed that evidence from witness statements and photographs supported the charges filed against Bordenkircher.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Bordenkircher has been charged with four counts of neglect of a dependent involving cruel confinement or abandonment and two counts of intimidation for threatening to commit a forcible felony.
He was arrested and booked into the Hancock County Jail, later posting a $600 cash bond on November 6. As a condition of his release, he signed a no-contact order preventing him from communicating with the four children involved.
Court records show that Bordenkircher is scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference on December 4. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be considered if more evidence emerges.
Reactions and Community Impact
Residents in New Palestine, a quiet community of roughly 2,700 people, have expressed disbelief over the allegations. Local authorities described the case as one of the most severe examples of child neglect and intimidation they have seen in recent years.
Child welfare advocates have emphasized the importance of reporting early warning signs of abuse, particularly in cases where children are isolated or under constant supervision by a single adult.
Officials also praised the courage of the child who sent the text for help, calling it a critical step that may have saved all four victims from further harm.
Background and Legal Context
Under Indiana law, neglect of a dependent and intimidation with threats of a forcible felony are felony offenses that can carry lengthy prison sentences if convicted. Legal experts say the combination of physical abuse, threats involving weapons, and emotional torment could significantly increase potential penalties.
Bordenkircher’s alleged behavior—forcing children to remain standing for extended periods and threatening to kill them—is consistent with what prosecutors describe as “cruel confinement,” a charge reserved for acts demonstrating prolonged suffering or severe psychological trauma.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the case, with social services ensuring that the children are now in a safe environment. Officials have not yet clarified Bordenkircher’s relationship to the victims but confirmed that child protective services are involved in ongoing assessments.
Bordenkircher remains free on bond pending trial. His defense attorney has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
Conclusion
The disturbing allegations against Curtis Bordenkircher have once again raised concerns about hidden child abuse within small communities. As the case moves through court, prosecutors say their priority remains the safety and recovery of the children who endured months of fear and violence inside their own home.
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