Source: CVDaily Feed
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LOGAN — The two North Logan men accused of abusing a seven-year-old child made their first appearance in court Monday afternoon.
Twin brothers Merritt Smith, 31 and Quinton James Smith, 31 were in 1st District Court after being charged with child abuse in May. Both were assigned separate public defenders. The two were ordered to appear again in court next Monday.
Merritt Smith appeared first and was formally charged with child abuse, a second-degree felony and retaliation against a witness, a third degree felony.
Quinton James Smith appeared second and was formally charged with child abuse, a second-degree felony.
The two brothers along with Cindy Bullock and Bonnie Third are accused of spanking the child in a type of ritual called the “whipping tunnel.” In this type of punishment, the child was forced to crawl underneath the adults as they stood above him and spanked him with their hand or an object.
Bullock and Third are expected to be formally arraigned next Monday.
will@cvradio.com