Police: School counselor tip led to child abuse probe

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By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter - bio | email

Kathleene Schattilly

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -

Kathleene Schattilly is charged with first-degree child abuse and torture. Police said it was a tip from a school counselor that launched the investigation.

Frankenmuth Police Chief Donald Mawer said his main concern is the kids, ages 12 and 17. The children were not Schattilly's biological kids, they were adopted out of foster care.

When police received a complaint they looked at it immoderately. The children were removed from the house to protect their safety.

"They were removed from the environment that we believed was dangerous hours after the initial complaint," said Frankenmuth Police Chief Donald Mawer.

Police can't go into details about the allegations.

"We have to remember this case is just getting started," said Chief Mawer.

Schattilly entered a not guilty plea. She is due back in court for a prelim Feb. 10.

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WNEM TV 5 Police: School counselor tip led to child abuse probe

Police: School counselor tip led to child abuse probe

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UPDATE