SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA – A 23-year-old woman, Samantha Woods, has been sentenced for the shocking abuse of two 18-month-old children, but will only serve one year in jail—with the rest of her sentence spent under house arrest, according to local prosecutors.
Woods was found guilty on May 29 of two counts of willful child abuse, and sentenced on June 25 to two 10-year prison terms, to be served one after the other. However, nearly all of that time will be spent outside of prison walls.
How the Abuse Was Discovered
The case only came to light after a domestic fight between Woods and her partner led a concerned neighbor to call the police. That call may have saved lives.
Investigators responding to the scene found two toddlers—only 18 months old—who had been hurt so badly, they needed medical treatment.
While specific details of the abuse have not been made public, officials say the severity of the injuries shocked even the first responders.
Prosecutor: “We’ll Never Know What They Remember”
Assistant District Attorney Krystina Jackson spoke out after the sentencing, slamming the idea that the victims’ young age somehow lessened the abuse:
“People say maybe the babies won’t remember, but we don’t know that. What if, when they go to sleep, they still feel fear? What if they always remember what it’s like to be left dirty, alone, and in pain?”
Judge Credits “Nosey Neighbor” for Saving the Children
Judge Brent Benson, who handed down the sentence, praised the neighbor whose call brought the case to light:
“Thank God for nosey neighbors. If not for that call, I don’t know what would have happened. I’m convinced those babies wouldn’t have gotten help.”
What Happens Next
Although Woods will only serve one year behind bars, she will also be required to:
- Spend five years on supervised probation
- Complete parenting classes
- And follow strict home monitoring orders under house arrest
DA: “This Is a Message”
Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce said this case is a warning:
“This conviction sends a clear message: child abuse will not be tolerated in Jackson County. Protecting children is a sacred duty.”