Judge rules against bail for woman accused of abusing son

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- A judge in Muskogee County is denying bail for a woman accused of abusing her now 5-year-old son.<br/><br/>Melanie Ann Smith has been jailed for nine months since being arrested

Friday, February 24th 2006, 2:37 pm

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- A judge in Muskogee County is denying bail for a woman accused of abusing her now 5-year-old son.

Melanie Ann Smith has been jailed for nine months since being arrested for allegedly beating, starving, handcuffing and tying the boy up with electrical tape.

Prosecutors say the boy is in foster car and attending public school "not a great distance away."

Judge Tom Alford says the chance of an accidental meeting between Smith and the boy is too great for him to allow her to be released on bail.

Smith and her half-brother -- Roy Smith -- are both charged with felony child abuse, neglect and endangerment. Roy Smith is free on bail and has agreed to testify against Melanie Smith.

Also charged with child abuse in the case are Sharon Smith and Brenna Smith. Sharon Smith is Smith's aunt and Brenna Smith is Sharon Smith's daughter.