by NEW PALESTINE, Ind. — A 35-year-old Indiana man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly subjecting several children to severe abuse, including physical assaults, verbal threats, and prolonged punishment that left them standing for hours until their legs went numb.
Allegations of Cruel Punishment and Threats
According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home in New Palestine on October 15 after a child texted their mother for help. Upon arrival, investigators uncovered disturbing allegations against Curtis Bordenkircher, who now faces four counts of neglect of a dependent involving cruel confinement and two counts of intimidation with threats to commit a forcible felony, court documents show.
One girl told authorities that Bordenkircher beat her with a belt and made her stand in a corner for so long her legs went numb, while hurling insults like “dumb” and “disappointment.” Another child claimed he grabbed her by the neck, shoved her against a wall, and made violent threats.
“You all are in the corner until your legs are numb,” Bordenkircher allegedly said, according to a probable cause affidavit. “I have no sympathy for you. You stand all night.”
Children Describe Fear and Abuse
The children also alleged that the suspect threatened to “slaughter them in their sleep” if they didn’t stay quiet — a threat made while brandishing a knife. One boy told investigators he genuinely believed Bordenkircher would follow through on his words.
According to reports reviewed by the Greenfield Daily Reporter, the kids were forced to stand in corners for up to six hours at a time and could only go to the bathroom if Bordenkircher left the house.
A fourth child described being “whipped” by Bordenkircher while the man drank beer. “He drinks so much a day, and then he just gets mad at us,” the child said, according to Indianapolis FOX affiliate WXIN. “Beer, after beer, after beer.”
Court Proceedings and Restrictions
Following his arrest, Bordenkircher was booked into the Hancock County Jail and later released on $600 cash bond on November 6. As part of his release conditions, he is under a no-contact order with all four victims.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference on December 4, per Hancock County Superior Court records.
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Community Shock in Small Indiana Town
The town of New Palestine, located just east of Indianapolis, has been shaken by the allegations. Authorities have not clarified the suspect’s relationship to the children, but the case has sparked outrage over the reported brutality and the leniency of the initial bond amount.
Officials have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
What do you think about the handling of child abuse cases in small towns like New Palestine? Share your views at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
