Dayton, Ohio – An Ohio community is grappling with disturbing details after a 38-year-old man abducted his 12-year-old cousin and assaulted him with bleach earlier this year. The man has now been sentenced to prison following a guilty plea, while a second suspect continues to face charges.
Incident Overview
Authorities say DeMarcus Pleasure, 38, forcibly took his young cousin from the child’s Dayton residence on February 22, leading to a harrowing sequence of violence. According to reports, Pleasure admitted in court that he compelled the boy into a vehicle before taking him to another location.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the assault and the involvement of a close family member, raising serious concerns about safety within trusted environments.
Timeline of Events
According to the Dayton Daily News, investigators reported that the incident began inside the victim’s home, where Pleasure and a 33-year-old woman, Reka Jarmon, allegedly struck the boy multiple times. They then forced him into a vehicle and transported him to a second home, where the violence escalated.
At the second location, the suspects allegedly poured bleach on the boy’s face, causing injuries to his eyes and skin, and leaving him in need of immediate medical care.
Emergency crews responded to the location soon after the assault, and the child was rushed to a nearby hospital. Officials said he received treatment for his injuries and has since recovered physically.
Details from Police and Court Records
An affidavit obtained by the Dayton Daily News offered more insight into the attack. The document stated that the child “sustained injuries to his eyes and face as a result of this assault.” The report also mentioned that police were investigating whether the boy had been suspected of sexual assault prior to the incident, though this information has not been confirmed by officials.
Jarmon, who was allegedly involved in both the abduction and assault, has been charged with kidnapping, assault, and abduction. Her case remains ongoing.
Courtroom Statements and Sentencing
During his sentencing hearing earlier this month, Pleasure told the judge, “I made a mistake.”
“I lived with this little boy. I raised him as my own,”
Pleasure said in court, explaining that he did not initially believe taking his relative amounted to abduction.
Despite his explanation, the court sentenced him to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to abduction. The charges of kidnapping and assault were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Pleasure was also granted credit for 243 days already served.
Key Facts
- Suspect: DeMarcus Pleasure, 38
- Co-accused: Reka Jarmon, 33 (case ongoing)
- Victim: 12-year-old boy
- Date of incident: Feb. 22
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Method of assault: Bleach poured on victim’s face
- Charges: Abduction (Pleasure); kidnapping, assault, abduction (Jarmon)
- Sentence: 3 years in prison (Pleasure)
Additional Context: Child Safety Concerns
Cases involving violence against minors, especially within family settings, highlight a broader concern about recognizing warning signs and ensuring children feel safe reporting troubling behavior. Experts emphasize the importance of communication, regular check-ins with young family members, and awareness of sudden shifts in behavior that may signal distress.
Child safety organizations urge families to maintain an environment where children feel protected and empowered to speak out. Authorities also emphasize reporting any suspected abuse immediately to prevent escalation.
Community Impact and Ongoing Legal Process
The Dayton community has expressed shock at the details surrounding this case. Many have voiced concern over the intensity of the assault and the involvement of not one but two adults known to the victim.
While Pleasure begins serving his sentence, all attention now turns to the upcoming court proceedings involving Reka Jarmon, who faces multiple serious charges related to the same incident.
Conclusion
The violent abduction and assault of a young boy by a relative has left residents reeling and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers children can face even within familiar surroundings. As the legal process continues for the second suspect, officials hope the case reinforces the importance of vigilance and swift action when a child’s safety is at risk.
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