South Dakota Couple Accused of Using Cattle Prod on Kids

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Argus Leader) — A South Dakota couple is accused of giving four children illegal drugs and of zapping them with a cattle prod to get them to comply with orders.

The Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office is recommending 36-year-old Lance Long and 40-year-old Crystallynn Long of Sioux Falls be charged with aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, abuse or cruelty to a minor and numerous other counts.

Sheriff’s Capt. Josh Phillips says the abuse had been going on for several years and involves boys ages 17, 13 and 11 as well as a 15-year-old girl.

The Longs’ public defender did not immediately return a call for comment on their behalf.