Waterford woman accused of duct taping developmentally disabled sister in backyard, leaving 4-year-old strapped in stroller

WATERFORD (WWJ) — A Waterford woman is facing felony charges for allegedly abusing her developmentally disabled sister and her own daughter.

Brittany Ivory, 31, was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of unlawful imprisonment, second-degree child abuse and third-degree vulnerable adult abuse.

The charges stem from an incident last weekend when police were called to a Waterford home around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, where they found the 32-year-old sister bound by duct tape in the backyard, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Inside the home, officers found Ivory’s 4-year-old daughter strapped in a stroller in a bedroom. The prosecutor's office had previously said the young girl was duct taped to the stroller prior to issuing a correction Wednesday afternoon.

Ivory, who is her sister’s legal caretaker, allegedly tied them up the night before and left the home.

The sister and daughter were taken to the hospital for medical care, while Ivory was taken to the Oakland County Jail.

“Caretakers are entrusted to support and protect the safety of individuals in their care,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said, per a press release. “To use your position of trust to abuse another individual, in this case, a child and a vulnerable adult, is abhorrent. Everyone deserves dignity, respect and to feel secure. My office is committed to holding those who threaten to violate this trust accountable and securing justice for the victims.”

Ivory’s bond was set at $10,000 cash/surety, no 10% provision and her next court date has been scheduled for Oct. 1.

Unlawful imprisonment is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000, while the child abuse charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The third-degree vulnerable adult abuse charge is a high misdemeanor punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $2,500.

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