Men and women who work as 911 dispatchers spend their days and nights taking calls from people in emergency situations. Every day brings something new, and they never quite know what to expect. On April 28, 2026, dispatchers in Kentucky received a call about a woman allegedly abusing her child in the Wayne County Judicial Center parking lot. Deputies arrived and reportedly saw the vehicle in question leaving the parking lot. Moments later, they pulled over 28-year-old Anna Bencosme, who was with her four children. What they saw in the back seat shocked them.
The abuse reportedly occurred in broad daylight.
According to a news release from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, dispatchers received a call around 3:30 p.m. from a concerned witness. The person claimed to see Bencosme screaming at one of her children and putting duct tape across their mouth. Obviously, the allegations concerned the dispatcher, who sent police to the scene. Bencosme was reportedly driving off as they arrived. Sheriff Tim Catron conducted a traffic stop and she complied, but that didn’t save her from arrest.
Deputies found four children in the vehicle.
The sheriff’s office reported that Deputy Nick Bertram found Bencosme’s four children, two of whom had duct tape across their mouths and noses, per the news release. The deputy immediately removed the tape, which apparently aggravated the mother.
“She stated it was her children and she could discipline her children however she wanted, and this act was routinely done,” the news release shared.
That didn’t fly with the authorities, who took her into custody. They released the children to their father.
The case enraged the community.
When it comes to children, no one wants to see them hurt. Comments on the news release posted by someone on Facebook made that very clear.
“Literally. If this is in the courthouse parking lot imagine what’s happening at home?” someone asked.
“The fact that she said she can discipline her children the way she wants to, like no hunny that’s not discipline, that’s ABUSE! I was furious when I seen this,” another person pointed out. “Those babies don’t deserve that.”
Some people think child abusers should face the same treatment, and they’re not wrong.
“Just my opinion but anyone who harms or abuses a child should be given the worst punishment available,” one comment reads.
Bencosme apparently wants to be a farmer.
In a very strange twist, just days before her arrest Bencosme posted a fundraiser to help with a farm she and her family recently started.
“We have started a small farm and are looking to generate some help to start power on our farm to keep our family growing healthy. Any donations are greatly appreciated,” she wrote. “We are very greatful to have made it this far without. With every move God makes, he shows us the path. As we move into spring and summer and the days get hotter, the power is something essential to keep us safe,” she wrote.
Thus far, the online fundraiser hasn’t raised a dime.
Bencosme faces two counts of first-degree strangulation, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, according to the news release. The Kentucky Department of Child Protection Cabinet will also investigate the case.
Perhaps she should sit with some duct tape over her nose and mouth and see how long she can take it. Bencosme could even make it a fundraiser for her farm. People actually might pay to see that.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
