Couple Charged With Starving 12-Year-Old

A Columbia couple was arrested Tuesday and charged with unlawful conduct towards a child after officers say a 12-year-old was starving in their care.

Eugene Coleman, 62, and Joe Ann Coleman, 57, were charged Wednesday and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, according to interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago.

The Colemans are accused of "not adequately feeding" a young girl, according to a press release, after an investigation by the Columbia Police Department's Special Victims Unit.

Investigators, child advocates and medical officials say the child was malnourished and underweight.

Under South Carolina Code of Law 63-5-70, “... it is unlawful for any person who has charge or custody of a child, is parent or guardian of a child, or who is responsible for the welfare of the child to place the child at unreasonable risk of harm affecting the child's life, physical or mental health, or safety; or cause to be done unlawfully or maliciously any bodily harm to the child so that the life or health of the child is endangered or likely to be endangered.”

The girl was taken into emergency protective custody and is doing well in foster care, according to the release.

CPD and the Richland County Department of Social Services (DSS) continue to investigate.