Boron Teacher and Wife Arrested for Alleged Torture of Adopted Children

A Boron Junior High School teacher and his wife face several felony charges for allegedly torturing their adopted children through extreme abuse, including starvation, physical assaults, and denying bathroom use, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities arrested Matthew and Brittany James earlier this month in North Edwards on charges of torture, conspiracy, child abuse, assault, and false imprisonment.

The investigation began on October 14 after staff at Boron Elementary School reported possible child abuse involving one of the couple’s adopted children. When deputies arrived, they found visible injuries on a 9-year-old child, according to the offense report. Two of the child’s older siblings attend Boron Junior-Senior High School.

The 9-year-old told deputies that Matthew James tied him with duct tape, withheld food and water, and beat him. The child also claimed James forced him to lie face down before dropping a 50-pound bag of concrete on his back. Another child said the 9-year-old was made to urinate on himself.

A forensic report detailed multiple bruises and abrasions on one child’s neck, face, arms, legs, back, and buttocks. The child also alleged Brittany James struck him in his private area, while another sibling said they were strangled until they “could not breathe.”

When deputies questioned Matthew James at the high school, he denied some of the accusations and told officers, “I’m guilty until proven innocent,” and “I don’t have a leg to stand on,” according to the report.

Brittany James also denied the allegations, calling the child a liar. She admitted joking about tying the child’s hands to prevent stealing but insisted they never followed through, the report stated.

After the couple’s arraignment on Tuesday, Kyle Humphrey, Matthew James’ attorney, spoke to the media, disputing the allegations and claiming the couple did not abuse their children.

Matthew and Brittany James remain in custody without bail and are scheduled to return to court for a bail review hearing on October 30.