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Woman charged in child abuse case answers to new charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wanda Larson, the former Department of Social Services supervisor accused of handcuffing a child to her porch with a dead chicken around his neck appeared in Union County court this morning.

Larson's hands were tied together and she carried a bucket into the court room. When asked why, a court official said she had been having stomach problems. She told the judge she is taking prescription medicines, including blood pressure and blood thinning medicine.

Larson's appearance lasted less than 10 minutes.  The judge asked her if she was aware of the new child abuse charges against her.

Larson said she was aware of the additional charges, which include: false imprisonment, maiming without malice, intentional child abuse and three counts of negligent child abuse.
She was also reappointed an attorney for these latest charges. Bob Leas will continue representing her. Larson's long-time boyfriend, Dorian Harper, made his court appearance Monday.

He is also facing several new charges.  The couple has been in custody since November. Larson will be back in Union County court on April 1.