Ostrander Couple Sentenced in Horrific Child Abuse Case
Preston, MN (KROC-AM News) - Physical and psychological abuse inflicted on a 5-year-old girl has resulted in a sentence of treatment and up to five years on probation for her parents.
32-year-old Angela Stewart and 37-year-old Ryan Rechtzigel, earlier entered Alford pleas to one count each of 3rd degree assault involving a past pattern of child abuse in exchange for the dismissal of eight other felony charges. An Alford plea means they do not admit guilt, but acknowledge there is enough evidence to convict them.
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department discovered the girl, suffering from bruises, scratches and cigarette burns, in an unheated room on the second level of the couple’s home in Ostrander during a search of the residence back in November. The search was ordered after Rechtzigal violated his parole in a drug case less than a week after a friend of the couple went to authorities with concerns about the welfare of the child.
The criminal complaint alleged the couple kept the girl locked in the room and fed her only one meal a day. Authorities also alleged she was forced to eat other things, including feces.