CLAYTON – A 28 year-old woman and her boyfriend are accused of abusing her juvenile daughter. The alleged offense was reported in November 2021. Following a criminal investigation both were charged this month.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said the 8 year-old victim had signs of physical abuse including visible bruises on her body.
Laura Kathleen McClaren of Clayton was arrested January 12th. Her boyfriend, Joshua Cole Turner, 28, also of Clayton, was charged on January 7th. Both are facing one count each of misdemeanor child abuse and one felony count each of obstruction of justice. The obstruction charge is for allegedly lying to detectives who were investigating the abuse allegations.
The Department of Social Services reportedly removed the juvenile from the home. The child is now staying with a relative.
Turner is also charged with felony possession of cocaine and simple possession of a controlled substance in an unrelated incident, according to his arrest report.