MINEOLA, N.Y. — Two Freeport parents have been indicted on charges they severely abused and starved their three-year-old daughter over several months, according to Nassau County prosecutors.
Hanchelove Decius, 27, and Evenson Francois, 28, were arraigned on first-degree assault charges, a Class B violent felony. Both pleaded not guilty and were remanded. They are scheduled to return to court on April 24, 2026.
Allegations of Prolonged Abuse
According to the indictment, the alleged abuse began around October 2024 and continued for months. Prosecutors say the couple deprived the child of food and subjected her to repeated physical abuse.
On June 8, 2025, while in Decius’ care, the child was allegedly scalded with a hot liquid, leaving her with third-degree burns across her chest and lower body.
The child was taken to Nassau University Medical Center and later transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital for further treatment.
Medical Findings
Medical staff who examined the girl reported extensive injuries consistent with prolonged abuse.
Authorities said the child had:
- Third-degree burns on her chest and lower body
- Scarring, bruises, and lacerations across her body
- Injuries in various stages of healing that had gone untreated
- Scarring on her face, including her forehead and nose
- Open lacerations on her eyebrow and chin
Doctors also determined the child was severely malnourished and visibly emaciated at the time she was treated.
Prosecutors said the condition of the injuries indicated the abuse had been ongoing for months.
Arrests and Charges
Francois was arrested on April 10, 2026, by the Nassau County Police Department’s Special Victims Squad. Decius was arrested three days later, on April 13.
The case is being prosecuted by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau.
Legal Stakes
First-degree assault is a violent felony in New York. If convicted, both defendants face up to 25 years in prison.
Current Status
The child is now recovering with proper medical care, according to prosecutors.
Both defendants remain in custody pending their next court appearance on April 24. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
