ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — A couple accused of abusing their teenage daughter was arrested Tuesday during a hearing after a judge said the pair violated the “no contact” condition of their bond.
James Mack and Christina Mack both proclaimed their innocence outside court Tuesday before being led back to Allegheny County Jail in handcuffs.
“We’re just here to prove our innocence. I never put my hands on my daughter,” James Mack said.
“I’m here to prove my innocence,” Christina Mack said. “I still have my two children, so obviously I’m not that bad of a parent.”
James Mack is charged with abusing his daughter and his wife, Christina Mack, is charged with doing nothing to stop the alleged abuse.
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Police said the victim gave officers photos showing some of the injuries she suffered at the hands of her parents.
“Her sister says I tried to kick my daughter and everything else. I’m handicapped. My feet are fused. If I tried to kick somebody, I would fall flat on my face,” James Mack said.
Before Tuesday’s hearing got underway, the judge revoked both of their bonds and ordered them to jail for comments they made about their daughter’s appearance that were loud enough for their daughter to hear. The judge said their actions violated the “no contact” condition of their bond.
The victim’s aunt, Jennifer Parker, said her niece has been doing well since being moved from her parents’ home.
“She’s been a normal teenager, and she’s loving life and enjoying her teenage years. And I plan to make sure that continues,” Parker said.
The judge said it’s tough to get juveniles to testify in a case involving relatives, and he didn’t want the victim to feel intimidated by what she heard outside the courtroom.