Ellijay couple arrested for abusing three children, one abused more often than others

Written by: K. Bishop

Published March 28, 2023 @ 3:40 PM ET

Gilmer County (March 6, 2023) – Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Ellijay couple after an investigation revealed the couple allegedly abused three children. An elementary-aged boy living in their home was covered in bruises and was punched in his face. School staff called police when the child arrived at school with numerous suspicious bruises on his body.

Delmar Gene Eaton, 33, and his wife, Contesa Michelle Eaton, 30, are accused of abusing three children living in the home. The children told investigators that they are all regularly abused, but one of the children gets abused more than the others.

They stated Delmar punched one child, described by the other children as the primary victim, in his face for taking a sip of Delmar’s beverage. The children say Delmar told the child, “Don’t you ever drink my f—ing drink again,” after punching him in the mouth. Police say the child had injuries consistent with being punched.

During his arrest, Delmar insisted his wife was responsible for hurting the children and that she told them to lie and say it was him.

School staff recognized signs of abuse on the couple’s primary victim and notified the Department of Family and Children Services, which opened an investigation into the abuse. When social workers interviewed the children, they were told Delmar abused the boy regularly, and recently, one of the children heard screaming and witnessed Delmar standing over the child. Reports say the boy suffered extensive bruising over his body and had injuries consistent with being forcefully grabbed.

Due to Delmar’s allegations against his wife, both parents were arrested and charged. Delmar was charged with battery under the family violence act and child cruelty. Contesa was charged with child cruelty. This case is currently pending in court.

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On March 10th, 2023, I, Deputy Ryan Scott, working for the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, was dispatched to [40 BLOCK] Rolling Hills Ln in reference to a Department of Family Children Services (DFCS) call. I responded Code 1 (no lights/sirens).

Prior to arriving at the above address, I met with DFCS employee [REDACTED], who stated that they received a call from Mountainview Elementary School in reference to one of their children having suspicious bruising all over his body.

After their initial investigation with the three children ([REDACTED BY AGENCY], [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and [REDACTED BY AGENCY]) living in the home, they concluded from the children that their father, step-father, and second cousin identified as Delmar Eaton routinely hits them and more specifically hits [REDACTED BY AGENCY] on numerous occasions.

On the day prior, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] had taken a sip of the drink that Mr. Eaton had and Mr. Eaton punched [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in the mouth and stated “Don’t you ever fu*king drink my drink again”. Wounds to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] face back up the claim of him being punched by Mr. Eaton.

[REDACTED BY AGENCY] additionally had numerous other bruising on his body consistent with being forcefully grabbed. On the day prior, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that she heard [REDACTED BY AGENCY] screaming and looked out to see Mr. Eaton standing over [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. Speaking with Detective Stanfield, we found sufficient probable cause to arrest Mr. Eaton on Battery FV and Cruelty to Children.

Upon arresting Mr. Eaton, he was confused on why he was being arrested. After reading Mr. Eaton his Miranda Rights, he repeatedly stated that his wife, Contesa, hits the children and that she tells the children to say that it is him if they are ever asked. I again asked Mr. Eaton what has been going on in the house and he spontaneously uttered that she hit [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in the face last night.

With this information, I placed Mrs. Eaton into custody as well. Both parties were handcuffed behind their back, checked for fit, double locked, and seatbelted in the back of GCSO patrol vehicles. DFCS personnel on scene were Mrs. [REDACTED] and Mrs. [REDACTED].

All audio/video was conducted on GCSO patrol vehicles 522 and 221. The children were left in the care of DFCS and Mr. and Mrs. Eaton were transported to the Gilmer Detention Center without incident.

[End of Narrative]