Oklahoma City, OK — A mother and father have been arrested in connection with a series of disturbing allegations of child abuse in Cleveland County. Court documents detail the abuse as both extreme and graphic, with accusations spanning from severe physical and sexual mistreatment to neglect.
The children, according to the allegations, endured a range of abuse, including being forced to roll in sticker patches, struck with bull whips, and marked by small knife cuts. One child described being pistol-whipped, while another was found to have a BB gun pellet lodged in their leg, a testament to the extent of the violence they allegedly suffered.
The father, Checotah Fielder, is accused of perpetrating much of the abuse, while the mother, Chere Fielder, is alleged to have witnessed the cruel acts without intervening. In Oklahoma, failure to protect laws make it clear that parents or guardians who allow abuse to happen can face legal consequences.
Joe Dorman, the CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, voiced concerns about the lack of resources available to families in crisis. “No one should get off the hook completely for allowing their children to be abused,” Dorman said. “It needs to be a fair system, but these people certainly need more resources for help, and we don’t have enough of those in Oklahoma.”
The couple’s arrests came this month, but court documents show that authorities had been alerted to the situation as early as June, after one of the children suffered a broken arm. At the time, the child reportedly provided false information about how the injury occurred, leading to complications in the investigation.
Despite the challenges involved, Dorman emphasized the crucial role of child welfare agencies in responding to such cases. “You never know in a situation like this how the caseworker handled the situation,” he noted. “But if the kids are lying, often times they have to go by that.”
Oklahoma Human Services (DHS) responded to inquiries about the case, releasing a statement expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of children in the state. Due to confidentiality laws, the agency was unable to comment on the specifics of the case but emphasized the importance of disclosures from children or family members to prompt effective action.
“At Oklahoma Human Services, the safety and well-being of our state’s children is our top priority,” the statement read. “We understand that it can be difficult for children to speak up, which is why it is so important for all of us to be their voice. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call our 24/7 hotline immediately at 1-800-522-3511.”
DHS also assured the public that they are working closely with law enforcement and the courts to ensure thorough investigations and pursue justice for every child. They stressed that it is through collaborative efforts that Oklahoma’s children can be better protected from harm.
The arrest of the Fielder parents has drawn attention to the broader issue of child abuse in Oklahoma, underscoring the need for greater resources and systemic support to protect vulnerable children in the state. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to seek justice for the children involved.
