A South Carolina father was arrested after contacting law enforcement to take his 11-year-old son from his home due to alleged misbehavior, authorities said.
According to WIS, Thomas Baker, 44, called the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office to report that his son was being “unruly” and that he was “tired of the child not listening. However, when deputies arrived and spoke with the boy, they uncovered a very different story — one that led to Baker’s arrest on charges of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Child Reportedly Asked for Food Before Verbal Threats
Deputies said that the 11-year-old told them his father became angry after he asked for something to eat. The sheriff’s office said in a statement that Baker allegedly shouted at his son, saying, “Get the (expletive) out of my room or I’m going to wreck your (expletive) face.” According to the department’s Facebook post, Baker went further, allegedly telling his son that he should “stab himself in the neck and pull it out.”
Investigators later confirmed that the incident had been captured on video, providing evidence of Baker’s threats.
Deputies Charge Father With Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child
Following the investigation, Baker was taken into custody and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, a felony offense under South Carolina law.
Court documents cited by WIS indicate that Baker “made it clear that he would not help his son” during the incident, despite the child’s pleas for food and safety.
Authorities described the father’s behavior as “cruel and degrading,” noting that the case underscores the importance of reporting suspected child endangerment even when it comes from within a family.
<h2>Child Placed in Care of Family Member
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the 11-year-old boy has since been placed in the care of a family member while the investigation continues.
Authorities did not disclose whether child protective services are pursuing additional charges or long-term custody arrangements.