East Alabama couple indicted on aggravated child abuse charges

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A Smiths Station couple arrested initially for child endangerment has been indicted on aggravated child abuse charges following a recent appearance in front of a Lee County Grand Jury.

30-year-olds Shane T. Morris and Corey Shane Barber were arrested on July 21 and charged with child endangerment.

On Nov. 22, the couple appeared in front of a grand jury, where they were indicted on an upgraded charge of aggravated child abuse.

According to the indictment, Morris and Barber tortured, willfully abused, cruelly beat or otherwise willfully maltreated a child under 18 years old. Additionally, the acts of abuse happened on more than one occasion.

Both of their bonds were set at $30,000. Barber is currently out on bond and is scheduled for an arraignment on Jan. 4, 2023.

Morris’ next hearing has not been announced at this time.