Latest Headlines
- ‘Jeff Bergosh Is Grateful’ — Longtime Public Servant Says Goodbye At Last Commission Meeting
- Ernest Ward Middle School Honors Veterans (With Photo Gallery)
- Two Injured In Single Vehicle Crash Near Century
- Former Ernest Ward Middle School Bookkeeper Charged With Embezzling Over $50,000
- What Happens To Ernest Ward Middle Groups That Are Missing Thousands Of Dollars?
- Inez Chancery of McDavid Celebrating 102nd Birthday
- Escambia Elections Boss: Election Was Smooth, Turnout Exceeds 75%
- SEC Soccer Tournament Draws Thousands To Escambia County, National TV Coverage
- Local Students Attend SEC Soccer Tournament
- Steven Barry Keeps Escambia County Commission District 5 Seat For Fourth Term
New Felony Charge Filed Against Woman In Century Child Neglect, Sexual Battery Case
December 14, 2021
A Century woman accused of child neglect and failing to report child abuse is facing a new felony charge.
Tabitha Ann Tedder, 50, was charged with one first degree felony count of tampering in a first degree felony proceeding. Tedder was taken into custody Friday when she went to court for an arraignment hearing, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Tedder is one of four people arrested in October on child neglect charges for living in squalor with several children. In November, she was arrested again for failure to report child abuse.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Tabitha Tedder failed to report the sexual battery of a minor child. Investigators believed she had knowledge that sexual abuse was taking place.
Michael Tracy Tedder, 29, was charged with three counts of capital sexual battery of a victim under 12 by a person in familial custody. If convicted as charged, Michael Tedder faces up to life in prison. He remains in the Escambia County Jail.
The victim disclosed at school that she had been raped by Michael Tedder, according to an arrest report. She stated that it hurt, and about the time she healed, he would do it again, the report continues. The alleged abuse occurred between January 1, 2020, and October 20, 2021.
Much of the arrest report is redacted under Florida law, but it states “several (others) divulged sexual abuse by Michael Tedder. The incidents they described were similar to the sexual abuse disclosed, adding credibility to her statement.”
For more information on the charges against Michael Tedder, click or tap here for an earlier story.
When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office went to Michael Tedder’s home on October 20 to investigate the sexual battery allegations, deputies found Tedder and three others living in squalor with six children in two campers.
They found Michael Tedder and his wife 28-year old Elizabeth Mae Dennis, along with 55-year old Norman Tracy Tedder and his wife Tabitha Tedder. All four were charged with felony child neglect. Only Michael Tedder is accused of a sex crime; the other three have not been charged with any sex crime or named as suspects.
The Department of Children and Families removed the children and transported them to the Gulf Coast Kids House.
For more information on the child neglect allegations, click or tap here for an earlier story.
Comments
12 Responses to “New Felony Charge Filed Against Woman In Century Child Neglect, Sexual Battery Case”
@Victim,
Actually, Nikki’s statement is accurate. If someone is abused as a child, they are more likely to abuse as they get older. They know that is wrong, yes, but the abuse they suffered has caused many emotional issues, affecting their behavior. Some are strong enough to overcome, but others are not.
She didn’t say it WAS ok. She said they THINK it is ok.
@mnon,
Studies actually show that victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are much more likely to struggle with parenting.
Sadly, CSA tends to “run in” families, continuing through the generations. It’s disgusting and quite sad, but it’s also true.
Appropriate and adequate mental health treatment helps to counteract this but is not a cure all. Many cases are never reported, and many victims never receive treatment. Even with excellent treatment, there is no guarantee of success.
@Nikki I’m sorry that philosophy is some 1980’s Sally Jessie pseudo psychology thinking.
Most often, proven in modern psychology, children grow up having been molested, being very good parents, but struggle in relationships because of sexual dysfunction (ie not really wanting sexual intimacy, or the other end of the spectrum, too much). They also suffer with security in a relationship and always feeling like they have done something wrong. This could cause them to never having long term relationships.
ALL of these people knew what was going on and ALL need to be put away. I just truly pray the children can get help and move past this with as little mental trauma as possible. God bless the children.
@Nikki
What a disgusting comment. I am a victim of this kind of abuse (from age 2 y/o to 10 y/o. I am 53 y/o today). These people know what is right and wrong and choose to be animals for their own gratification. I knew at a young age that this was wrong. This kind of abuse stays with a victim for the rest of their lives. They spend their life time feeling shame, anger as well as a multitude of other issues.
These people need to be run out of this town – they are absolutely disgusting and all of them were in this together – I hope Micheal Tedder never sees daylight again and he won’t – the rest of these animals need to jailed as well – what disgusting humans and those poor children -
They could have been molested when they were kids. Some people grow up thinking it’s ok. It’s a very sad and devastating cycle. I pray for everyone involved in hopes that someday they can put it behind them ,and love and cherish their kids more when they are parents.
When a child this young is sexually molested, it does so much mental and emotional damage to them…more so than to their abused little bodies!
They ought to at least be charged with manslaughter for killing that child’s emotional and physical health. AND made to wear a bright , non-removable bracelet for the rest of their days that shows them to be a pervert!
This is terrible thank God those poor children are out of there unfortunately these children have to deal with the abuse for the rest of their life. Life in prison is too good. Let’s bring corporal punishment back.
Mike J …. you’ve got my vote! Short sentence with an expiration date stamped on his forehead!
Susie … God bless those babies is right, I imagine this they were placed in protective care that they never knew life could be so good… clean … and safe!
The only way to deal with evil is, to eradicate it from the planet!!!
How do these people keep getting out on bond. You can’t afford to live in a house but you can afford to get out of jail. Your priorities are definitely screwed up. I am glad all of the children are out of this situation and hopefully will not be allowed to go back to that environment. These children deserve way more than they have been dealt with during their lives. I pray justice is served for the children’s Sake. My main concern is I don’t understand why she is not in jail with no bond. I don’t understand how they keep bonding out.SMH
Life in prison is too good for Mr. Tedder. Why should the taxpayers fund his housing and food and medical care for the next 30 years or more? He should be made to suffer for a few years then executed. Same with any convicted murderer. But that’s my 1st Amendment opinion.
Authorities should put them all in Prison for life. Filthy monsters! Those children should never have to see or hear from them again and be in a safe, loving home. God bless those babies.