A fill-in pastor is facing charges of child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect. Keith and Candy Holt were arrested on Jan. 16, after police attempted several times to conduct a wellness check.
Police believe as many as eight children were beaten with a board and locked in a bathroom for several days without food or water as punishment.
Holt identified himself as lead pastor of the Blackwell House of Prayer in Blackwell, Oklahoma, something the church later clarified was untrue.
The victims range from ages 2 to 17. They described being hit with a belt and a board, sometimes as many as 30 times per beating.
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Earlier this month, the Blackwell Police Department was contacted by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services concerning several children who were allegedly left home alone.
Blackwell Police also said they had received several calls from concerned neighbors who believed the children may have been abused, according to Fox 25.
Police attempted to complete a wellness check on Sunday, Jan. 14, but Keith and Candy Holt refused to answer the door. Police made another failed attempt to check on the children the next day. Finally, on Jan. 16, the Holts allowed police to enter the home.
After police said that they discovered enough evidence to arrest the couple, they took Keith and Candy Holt into custody. Keith was arrested for alleged child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect. Candy was arrested for allegedly enabling Keith’s behavior.
Keith Holt initially denied beating his children but later told police that he does spank them and that he “blacks out” and doesn’t know how many times or how hard he hits them.
All of the children have been taken into protective custody.
