A Michigan woman charged with sexually abusing three girls she babysat years earlier appeared in court on Monday.
Gaila Bennett, 63, allegedly sexually abused three sisters at her Lee Township home from 2013 to 2020. MLive.com reported that on October 5, the girls’ mother contacted police about her three daughters being abused years earlier when they were younger than 13.
The girls (now ages 17, 15, and 14) reportedly accused Bennett of raping and molesting them in her home, adding that Bennett would grope them in the shower. One of the girls said the abuse occurred every day and started when she was in kindergarten, MLive.com reported.
According to the Midland Daily News, Bennett also drugged the victims and photographed herself assaulting them. The girls reportedly described the substance as a “syrup” which made them feel drowsy.
One of the accusers said Bennett would strike her hands with various objects when she tried to fight her off. If she cried, Bennett allegedly locked her in a basement “wood shop” until her parents arrived, according to police.
Bennett, who was arraigned on Monday, is charged with first- and second-degree criminal sexual contact with a victim younger than 13 and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Her bond was set at $5 million.
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[Featured image: Midland County Jail]
