Chester Police are searching for a father who they say went too far in disciplining his children.
Investigators say Nathaniel Ballard, 26, beat his six and eight-year-old sons severely whenever they lied or performed poorly on school tests.
Police were notified on November 7 after a teacher noticed bruises and marks on the face of one of the boys and contacted Delaware County Children and Youth Services.
Police say medical examinations revealed the children had welts all over their bodies. Investigators say most of the marks were long and looped, appearing to be from a belt, buckle or cord.
Investigators also say photographs indicated extended injuries over their backs, legs, buttocks, arms, heads, ears, chests and faces.
The children’s stepmother Cassandra Williams was taken into custody on Friday, November 11 for simple and aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and other related offenses. She was released on unsecure bail.
Police continue to search for Ballard and say they have a warrant for his arrest on charges similar to Cassandra's.
If you have any information on Ballard’s whereabouts, call Chester Police at 610-447-8447.
