Detectives in Ascension Parish say they recovered disturbing home video that allegedly shows 44-year-old Gina Sagona forcing a 14-year-old boy’s face into dog urine and dragging him, while the juvenile was also struck multiple times. Gina told investigators she committed the act, and her husband Mark was reportedly present for portions of the incident. Both were arrested in late April on felony cruelty-to-a-juvenile charges—Mark faces an additional charge as a principal—and were held on $50,000 and $40,000 bonds respectively. The investigation is ongoing.
Home Video Prompts Arrest: Woman Allegedly Forces Teen’s Face Into Dog Urine; Husband Also Charged
Gina Sagona; Mark SagonaCredit: Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
Prairieville, Louisiana — A Louisiana couple was arrested after detectives say they located home video showing a 44-year-old woman forcing a 14-year-old boy’s face into dog urine and dragging him through it, authorities said.
Gina Sagona's mugshotCredit: Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) said investigators went to the Sagona residence on April 27 after receiving a report from the Department of Children and Family Services. In a news release on April 29, the agency said the video allegedly shows Gina Sagona force the juvenile’s face into dog urine and drag him while the boy was also struck multiple times.
Mark Sagona's mugshotCredit: Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
APSO said Gina Sagona, 44, admitted to committing the act during an interview with detectives. Her husband, 45-year-old Mark Sagona, was described as being present for portions of the incident and was also arrested. It remains unclear from public records what the child’s relationship is to the couple.
An Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office vehicleCredit: Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
Both Gina and Mark Sagona were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on felony charges of cruelty to a juvenile; Mark was additionally charged as a principal to cruelty to a juvenile, according to jail records. Gina’s bond was set at $50,000 and Mark’s at $40,000. As of May 2, both remained in custody and were awaiting arraignment.
The APSO said the investigation is ongoing and that it was not immediately clear whether the Sagonas had retained legal representation to comment on the allegations.
If you suspect child abuse: Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Reporting details were based on an APSO news release and jail records reviewed by reporters.
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