November 18, 2008

DILLON, SC -- Police say the boy's step-mom, Dartisha Henson, and his father, Billy Avant, are in jail. Investigators say Henson put the boy in a tub of extremely hot water as his punishment for wetting the bed.

Avant was not at home at the time of the punishment, but through information obtained during the investigation, investigators say they have reason to charge him in the crime as well.

Police say the child had 2nd degree burns and is currently recovering at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center.

Henson has been charged with child abuse, while Avant is being charged as an accessory after the fact.

There were 2 other children at the home during the alleged punishment. They have since been taken by the Department of Social Services.