Four individuals in Pahrump are facing serious charges of child abuse after a young boy was found tied up and blindfolded outside in scorching temperatures. The incident was reported to the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputies O’Rourke and Armendariz arrived at the scene to investigate.
When they got to the residence, they discovered a child with his hands tied behind his back, legs bound together, and his face covered with multiple masks. The child was visibly distressed and in physical discomfort due to the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 104 degrees outside.
After freeing the child from his restraints, the deputies questioned the mother, Jodi Tracy, who admitted to tying up her son as a form of punishment for wetting the bed. Tracy claimed that she had been dealing with behavioral issues from the child for about a year and felt she had no other option but to restrain him.
The deputies also spoke to Tracy’s daughters, Mellysa Byington and Courtney Flores-Tracy, who were aware of the situation but did not see it as abusive. They believed that the child posed a danger to others, justifying the extreme measures taken by their mother.
Another individual in the house, described as mildly autistic but alert, confirmed that the child was regularly tied up by Tracy and even placed in a dog crate at night to prevent him from causing trouble. Tracy’s husband, Michael, was also implicated in the abuse and participated in the mistreatment of the child.
The family members were all taken into custody, with a bond set at $20,000 for each of them. The child was taken to the hospital for evaluation and care. The identities and ages of the child and the suspects were not disclosed in the report.
This disturbing case sheds light on the complexities of parenting and discipline, raising questions about the boundaries between discipline and abuse. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and reporting instances of child abuse to protect vulnerable individuals in our communities. If you suspect child abuse, please contact the authorities immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need.
