DHS releases information involving claims of abuse at girls home

Associated Press
Sun Herald


State officials have released reports that include claims by some residents at the Bethel Girls Academy that they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse.

The reports, made public this week by the Department of Human Services, include interviews with some of the 38 girls who were removed from the private home near Petal in mid-May.

Herman Fountain Jr., Bethel's director, has repeatedly denied any allegations of abuse. No charges have been filed in the case.

DHS spokesman Rick Whitlow said his agency has not provided parents with details of the investigation. The DHS reports did not include the names and ages of those interviewed.

DHS records show the interviews took place May 19, the same day the girls were taken from the home on the order of Forrest County Youth Court Judge Michael McPhail.

Among the allegations brought by those questioned was the claim of one girl who said students were made to jump into a "sewage pond," and were required to exercise "until you cannot breath (sic) or you vomit." The girl also said Fountain called the girls derogatory names when he got angry.

Another girl claimed Fountain sat on her head and that she was hit by Fountain "on the back of her leg with a mop handle." As a form of punishment, the girl said she had to listen to preaching tapes for hours.

Another girl claimed that some of the mistreatment was done by "leaders," girls who had been at the academy longer and were in charge of newer residents.

Several girls told of a March 29 incident in which Fountain allegedly threw a table and chairs at them after about 15 girls had gone on strike to protest the way they were being treated.

Carolyn Stewart, whose 16-year-old daughter was one of the girls removed by DHS officials, said Thursday she questioned the accuracy of the agency's investigative reports.

"My daughter has told me that while she was being interviewed by DHS, the social worker would twist her words around," said Stewart, of New Port Richey, Fla. "These people came into her home (Bethel) and twisted her words around. Now they are trying to use this twisted information to build a case."

Stewart said she wasn't notified that her daughter was being questioned or removed until well after the child had been taken from the home.

Meanwhile, the attorney representing parents of three girls removed from Bethel said that a date for a postponed hearing before McPhail has not been rescheduled.