(Casper, Wyo.) – Thirty-two-year-old Jorge Serafin has plead not guilty to three counts of child abuse after allegations of whipping the children with a vacuum cord in May 2015.
Serafin could serve five years for each count of child abuse if convicted, according to state statute.
According to the affidavit filed in Circuit Court, teachers at North Casper Elementary became aware of a possible case of child abuse when Evansville Police were contacted about incidents. According to the children’s mother, this kind of punishment is common and acceptable in Mexico, according to her statements with police.
The children told officers and DFS investigators that Serafin was upset that one of the children had not learned the day’s color in English, according to the report. He allegedly whipped the other two children because he had warned them previously about their behavior and was punishing them for continuing their behavior, according to the report.
Serafin is currently being held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond. The Public Defenders office stated that a plea agreement could be in the works and will likely resolve this issue soon.