Stepfather Charged with Abuse
In Oklahoma, a 12-year-old boy is believed to have suffered severe sexual abuse at the hands of his mother and her husband, his stepfather, as detailed by the state police.
The boy had been missing from their home in Chickasha for several days—specifically, nine—before he was discovered by volunteers on Sunday at his family farm in Caddo County.
“It’s just heartbreaking. This world can be so cruel. I truly believe he went through unimaginable suffering. I’m just grateful he’s alive,” says a local resident.
Authorities have apprehended the boy’s stepfather, George Franklin Cole Jr., 43, along with his mother, Kimberly Cole, 33. Until the boy was found, he remained unaccounted for.
Once located, the boy shared that he had been trying to get away after enduring years of torture from his mother and stepfather. He has since been placed in state custody while investigations continue.
The allegations against both Coles date back to 2020 and involve abusive treatment of the boy and another victim.
Reports suggest that the stepfather restrained the boy using handcuffs and zip ties, subjected him to stabbings, and inflicted further injuries with a baton and a cattle prod, according to court documents.
The boy’s mother faces similar charges, including those related to bestiality.
George Cole is looking at 14 felony charges, such as eight counts of child abuse and one for child sexual abuse, while Kimberly Cole faces 11 charges, encompassing three counts each of child abuse and neglect, alongside charges of bestiality and conspiracy.
Monday brought George Cole’s court appearance, during which he was released on bail set at $2.5 million. Afterward, he attempted suicide in his jail cell, as reported by Caddo County District Attorney Jason Hicks.
The boy’s biological father is now seeking custody of him.
A relative of the victim mentioned that police had initially returned him to the Coles’ home after he had sought help from a relative who witnessed signs of abuse.
In the words of a neighbor, “It’s just awful. What this boy experienced is unfathomable, but I’m so thankful he’s safe.”
Following his suicide attempt, George Cole was hospitalized.
