A Clermont County husband and wife, Matthew and Charles Edmonson, have accepted a plea deal after being accused of torturing and cruelly abusing their five adopted children. On Friday morning, Matthew Edmonson pleaded guilty to five counts of child endangerment, while Charles Edmonson pleaded guilty to three counts of child endangerment, one count of felonious assault, and one count of kidnapping. Matthew has been sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Charles will serve 15 years.
The couple had initially fostered five biological brothers, later adopting them. The children, born with multiple medical issues, suffered numerous injuries, including bruising, internal bleeding, and bleach burns, all of which the Edmonsons attempted to explain away. Investigations revealed disturbing details of the children’s mistreatment, including their confinement to a bedroom described as a “dungeon.”
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve revealed that Charles Edmonson was also convicted for engaging in sexual relations with another adopted son, who, though an adult at the time, had been groomed from a young age. A detective uncovered several videos showing the Edmonsons treating their adopted children inhumanely.
Thanks to a thorough investigation by local authorities, including the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and Children’s Protective Services, the five boys were removed from the abusive environment and placed in new homes where they are now thriving.
Prosecutor Tekulve commended the efforts of school staff, neighbors, family members, and doctors who provided critical information that led to the children’s rescue, ensuring that they would no longer face further harm.
In a separate case, Matthew Edmonson’s biological son, Bailey, was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of child endangerment.