Arizona mom accused of abusing seven adopted kids

An Arizona woman is accused of abusing seven adopted children in her home.

The arrest in the horrific case of alleged child abuse has neighbors shaken up.

” Whenever my children wanted to play down there, they never got to play, ” one neighbor said. ” They were at doctors’ appointments, they were just busy youtubing , sick, ” he added.

The adoptive mom of the seven kids, Machelle Hackney, is now in custody, along with her adult sons, for failing to report the alleged abuse.

Hackney’s adult daughter tipped off police, according to officials.

According to a report, police found one child in an unlocked closet wearing only a pull-up. The other six kids appeared malnourished.

In interviews, the kids told police they were pepper-sprayed as punishment, forced to take ice baths, and stand in the corner with their arms above their heads for hours. One kid reported getting beaten with a hanger or a belt and being pinched in his privates.

They allegedly were made to sleep in a bare room on the cold floor, and would go days without food.

Police said they found evidence at the home, including two cans of pepper spray and a closet in the master bedroom with a deadbolt lock.

” I just wish I would’ve been able to pick up on that, ” one neighbor mentioned.

Hackney has denied abuse. She said the kids would be put in a corner or grounded as punishment.

She has been charged with abuse, neglect, molestation, and unlawful imprisonment.