LOCAL NEWS

Couple living in motel room with 7 children charged with abuse

Nov 12, 2022, 1:22 PM | Updated: Nov 18, 2022, 5:23 pm

handcuffs in front of a gavel...

FILE photo

MIDVALE, Utah — A couple living with seven children in a motel room were charged Thursday with physically abusing the children for doing things such as asking for more food at school.

Corlon Corey Bowser and Jessica Jonquil Stewart, both 29, are each charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony. Bowser faces an additional charge of child abuse, a second-degree felony, and Stewart is also charged with witness tampering, a third-degree felony.

Unified police were called to a Super 8 Motel Oct. 26 on a welfare check after screaming and crying were heard coming from a room. An 11-year-old girl answered the door while on the phone with her mother, Stewart, and “mouthed the words ‘help me’ twice to officers,” according to charging documents.

When police asked the 11-year-old what was happening, she said that Bowser, her mother’s boyfriend, “whips us when, like, my brother got in trouble from school,” the charges state.

Police learned that seven children, ranging in ages from 3 to 11, were living in the room. They also learned that one boy “got in trouble” for asking for more food while he was at school, according to the charges.

The children then told police that Bowser would whip some of them with a belt, and had choked and punched one of the boys when he wouldn’t stop screaming, the charges allege.

One responding officer stated that “when he entered the motel room, he observed blood on the comforter draped over the bed closest to the door” as well as “multiple bruises and scars” on a 9-year-old boy. One witness told police she observed Stewart punching one of the children in the chest for asking other people for food, and was sent video by one of the children “that showed Stewart stomping on one of the children,” according to the charging documents.

The children were evaluated by a doctor who determined that several of them had incurred “inflicted trauma,” the court documents state.

After the couple was arrested, they were questioned about the alleged abuse.

“Stewart stated that she and Bowser share punishment responsibilities and she uses a little black belt to discipline the kids,” according to the charges.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

8 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

8 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

10 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

11 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

12 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Couple living in motel room with 7 children charged with abuse