Half siblings to spend 108 years combined in prison on child abuse charges

ROCK BRIDGE COUNTY, Va. — A Rockbridge County Virginia sister and brother have been sentenced to a combined 108 years for what the district attorney called the worst child abuse case he's ever seen.

WARNING: Disturbing details follow

“They were taught to perform sexual acts more so than they were taught to brush their teeth,” Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jared Moon said.

Samantha Simmons and Robert Clark, half-siblings, were found guilty on multiple counts of rape, forcible sodomy, child endangerment, indecent liberties with a child and aggravated sexual battery, reports WSET-TV. Clark received 65 years in prison and Simmons 43.

An investigation began in 2015 when officers were called do to a welfare check. Officers arrived to find insects, a strong odor of urine and feces.

When the two girls, 3 and 8 years old, were put into foster care, one girl told her foster mother the details about the sexual abuse from the mother and uncle, reports WSET-TV.

It was later learned that she was touched inappropriately by both relatives, forced to perform sexual acts on her sister, and watch adult movies.

Referring to the younger victim, a caseworker social services, said, "She was a feral child; that's the only way I could describe her," reports Fox 8.

During the trial, Simmons' defense attorney aid the incest spanned three generations and Simmons had endured sexual abuse by male family members.

Clark's attorney said he also suffered abuse and suffers mild mental retardation; during court, Clark testified, saying he didn't remember abusing the girls.

“I ain’t denying it, but I don’t remember because I’ve got a short memory...I’ve hit my head so many times on stuff that I can’t remember half of the stuff I do anymore," he said.

The case also revealed critical lapses at the social services department, reports the Roanoke Times. 

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