Chester mother arrested for picture of duct-taped toddler

Update, Feb. 17: The Delaware County Times reports the toddler is in the custody of her godparents, siblings Raiven and Lamont Craig, 20- and 23-years old. Ferguson, the child’s mother, is being held without bail.

Update: The Associated Press and Delaware County Times report 21-year-old Caira Ferguson has been charged with child endangerment in connection with the photo that depicts her with her 2-year-old daughter, who’s bound to a chair with duct tape.

Original report:

After three days of investigation, police in Chester Township have arrested the mother featured in a photo with her toddler duct-taped to a chair. No charges have been filed yet.

 

The mother is pictured in a photo taken over the summer as she poses next to her daughter who’s been strapped to a chair with duct tape. Another piece of tape covers the child’s mouth.

Police found out about the photo when the mother herself reported it. She had found the image on MediaTakeOut, a web site touting itself as the “most visited urban website in the world.” The mother says that’s her in the picture, but that she didn’t post it online.

The Delaware County Times reports the case was referred to Delaware County Children and Youth Services, but any physical wounds on the two-year-old have since healed.