Philadelphia cuts back suspensions for kindergarteners

Pennsylvania Daybook

SUNBURY, Pa. (AP) — Police say a Pennsylvania bound a misbehaving 7-year-old boy in her basement, then told him "the ghosts will come soon." Sunbury police say 56-year-old woman abused the boy last August, after befriending his mother. According to a police complaint, Northumberland County child welfare caseworkers say the boy was also forced to sit in a sweltering attic and stand in the corner in his underpants. Police say workers reported Santiago after she returned the boy to a daycare and they noticed cuts and bruises on him. Santiago allegedly used zip ties to bind the boy to a metal post in the basement. She doesn't have an attorney or a listed telephone. Police say she acknowledged restraining the boy, but denied the other alleged abuse. She faces a preliminary hearing Aug. 30.

Cops: Pennsylvania woman tied boy, threatened with 'ghosts'