Nebraska Mom Accused of Child Abuse, Loses Custody of Kids

(Omaha, Nebraska) A 25-year-old local woman, Lisa Schuchard, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly abusing her two children, ages 2 and 4, by allowing them to have access to marijuana, a shotgun and drug paraphernalia.

Schuchard has been charged with felony child abuse.

Someone called Child Protective Services to complain that Schuchard's 4-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy were filthy dirty and that drug paraphernalia was strewn about Schuchard's home near 34th and Hamilton Streets.

The caller also complained that the kids were forced to sleep a lot -- and that Schuchard and her live-in boyfriend, Christopher Gladden, were "always sleeping."

Omaha Police responded to the complaint and found evidence of drug paraphernalia within reach of the children and suspicious bruising on the legs, buttocks and cheek of the 4-year-old girl.

The 4-year-old then gave this account of the marijuana use to detectives, according to police and court reports:

She described Schuchard and Gladden, 23, smoking "joints."

The 4-year-old said joints are brown and have green "weed" inside. She said weed also can be smoked from a bong and a pipe.

The 4-year-old then "demonstrated (very well) how she smokes from a 'joint,' 'bong' and 'pipe' during the interview," an Omaha police detective wrote. "She said that her mother and Chris give both her and her brother the weed to smoke.

"(She) said that she smokes in front of her mom and Chris' friends and that they laugh when she smokes."

Before the children's marijuana use was known, Gladden pleaded guilty to initial charges of misdemeanor child abuse and was sentenced to six months in jail. Schuchard wasn't as lucky. She was charged with a felony.

Earlier today, Schuchard was arraigned on felony child abuse charges. She also attended a custody hearing.

Juvenile Court Judge Chris Kelly this morning decided to place the girl and her 2-year-old brother with their biological father. The judge told Schuchard she'll only be able to have supervised phone conversations with her kids.

Judge Kelly also said Schuchard will only be allowed supervised visits with her children when she is released from jail.

Tip: SuidaeEmpathy