Couple indicted on 646 charges related to abuse of two children

Dover, Delaware: The Attorney General of Delaware announced on Wednesday, September 14, that a couple had been indicted on 646 charges, including more than 80 felonies, for abusing their two children over a period of about 20 months.

"These are the cases that keep us up at night," Attorney General Kathy Jennings said. "The evidence in this case is disturbing and my prayers are with the victims who, thank God, are somewhere safe. We will seek swift and complete justice against the accused; nothing matters more than protecting our kids."

The indictment, seen by Bay to Bay News, indicated that the children were hospitalized six times between March 2021 and March 2022 due to the abuse with both children being hospitalized at the same time in April 2021.

Delaware Online reports that the children were placed into the custody of the state Division of Family Services following the arrest of their parents in February on charges that initially included kidnapping, child abuse, and strangulation.

600 of the charges were filed against 45-year-old Mary Vinson. If convicted on the charges she faces a minimum sentence of 40 years up to a maximum sentence of more than 1,150 years.

The 46 remaining charges were filed against 36-year-old Charles Vinson. If convicted on all charges he would face a minimum sentence of 16 years up to a possible sentence of more than 270 years.

They are scheduled to appear in court on September 22 for their arraignment.

The breakdown of charges as provided by the Attorney General's Office are follows:

Mary Vinson:

• 7 counts of Child Abuse 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• 12 counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, a Class G Felony
• 2 counts of Conspiracy 3rd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class G Felony
• 6 counts of Menacing, an Unclassified Misdemeanor
• 71 counts of Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 2 counts of Kidnapping 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• 225 counts of Child Abuse 3rd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 3 counts of Reckless Endangering 1st Degree, a Class E Felony
• 11 counts of Attempted Child Abuse 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• 7 counts of Strangulation, a Class E Felony
• 1 count of Attempted Strangulation, a Class E Felony
• 244 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 2 counts of Act of Intimidation, a Class D Felony
• 3 counts of False Statement, a Class G Felony

Charles Vinson:

• 6 counts of Child Abuse 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• 12 counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, a Class G Felony
• 9 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class G Felony
• 2 counts of Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 2 counts of Conspiracy 3rd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 2 counts of Kidnapping 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
• 2 counts of Act of Intimidation, a Class D Felony
• 3 counts of Menacing, an Unclassified Misdemeanor
• 3 counts of Child Abuse 3rd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare, a Class A Misdemeanor
• 2 counts of False Statement, a Class G Felony