Cherokee Woman Accused of Brutal Child Abuse

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A 39-year-old Cherokee woman is facing the full weight of federal law after being indicted on charges of horrific child abuse. Shawnenna Caroline Roland, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, allegedly inflicted severe injuries on a minor, leaving the child with lasting trauma. The details, as laid out in a three-count indictment, are chilling.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, Roland intentionally assaulted the child, causing serious bodily injury. But it doesn’t stop there. The indictment alleges the injuries include “permanent and protracted loss and impairment of the child’s mental and emotional function.” Prosecutors claim Roland demonstrated a “reckless disregard for human life” through both deliberate acts and a gross failure to provide adequate care.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, alongside James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Division, and Cherokee Indian Police Department Chief Carla Neadeau, announced the charges today. The investigation, a joint effort between federal and tribal authorities, paints a grim picture of alleged neglect and violence. The specifics of the abuse remain sealed within the indictment, but the language used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office suggests a particularly brutal case.

Currently, Roland is in tribal custody, awaiting transfer to the United States Marshals Service. While the indictment lays out a damning case, it’s crucial to remember that these are, as yet, only allegations. Roland is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the gravity of the charges—child abuse, child neglect, and assault—cannot be understated.

Ferguson publicly thanked the FBI and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their relentless investigation. The cooperation between these agencies highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case. The investigation reportedly uncovered evidence of not only physical harm but also significant psychological damage inflicted upon the young victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, will be leading the prosecution. This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the importance of vigilance within communities. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

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