Delta Co. couple arrested on child abuse charges

Escanaba Public Safety Officers were dispatched at 4 p.m. Friday to a residence on the 1500 block of North 20th Street to conduct a welfare check involving a 15 year old boy.

Officers were able to make contact with a 46-year-old woman and 47-year-old man residing at the residence.  Officers inquired about the welfare of the 15 year old boy and found him to be staying in an upstairs room approximately 8ft by 10ft, and lined with tarps.

The 15 year boy was subsequently brought to Public Safety where he was interviewed about his living conditions.  After the interview, the boy was transferred to OSF St. Francis Hospital for medical evaluation.

The 46-year-old woman identified as Susan Bardo, the boy’s mother, and the 47-year-old man identified as Carl Pellinen, Bardo’s boyfriend, were brought to Public Safety.  Both subjects were interviewed by Detectives along with search warrants being executed at the residence.  Upon completion of the interviews and evidence produced by the execution of the search warrants, Bardo and Pellinen were arrested on the following charges.

Count 1: Child Abuse 1st Degree

Count 2: Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree

Count 3: Torture

Both subjects were arraigned in the 94th District Court on Monday, on the listed charges and both remain lodged in the Delta County Jail, each with a $50,000 cash bond.