Bond Set for Three Individuals in Shocking Case Involving Handcuffed Child and Dog Attack in Savannah, Ohio

Joe Lyons • August 21, 2023

Ashland County, OH—Three individuals have been formally charged in connection with a disturbing incident that took place in Savannah, Ohio, where a 6-year-old child was viciously attacked by a Pitbull after being handcuffed and restrained by the very people that are supposed to love and protect him. This case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, resulted in serious charges and substantial bond amounts being set during a court hearing on August 21, 2024.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 17, 2024, when the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 5:06 p.m. reporting that a young child had been severely bitten by a Pitbull at a residence located at 23 Chapel Street in Savannah, Ohio. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the child in critical condition, suffering from significant injuries to his neck and ear. The child was immediately transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield where he was then airlifted via Life Flight to Akron Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.

The subsequent investigation uncovered disturbing details. It was revealed that the child had been handcuffed at both his hands and feet when the dog attacked him. This shocking discovery led to a search warrant being executed at the residence, where authorities found further evidence corroborating the initial reports. Robert Michalski, the owner of the house and the dog, was discovered hiding with the Pitbull in an upstairs cubbyhole. The dog has since been taken into custody as a “vicious dog.”

Arrests and Charges

Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident: Angelina Williams, the child’s mother; her boyfriend, Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown; and Robert Michalski, the homeowner and great-uncle of the child. All three have been charged with multiple felonies.

Angelina Williams (28), of Cleveland, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. According to investigators, Williams had been using handcuffs and rope to discipline her children, including the 6-year-old victim. On the day of the incident, a disagreement arose when the child refused to pick up dog excrement, leading Williams and the others to handcuff him. During the process, the child was attacked by the Pitbull.

Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown (29), of Sandusky, Ohio, faces the same charges as Williams—second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. Marvin-Brown is alleged to have actively assisted in restraining the child. Prosecutors noted that both children had been subjected to this form of punishment on previous occasions.

Robert Michalski, Jr. (47), of Savannah, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and third-degree felony Tampering with Evidence. Michalski is accused of providing the handcuffs used in the incident and attempting to hide the Pitbull from authorities after the attack.

Court Proceedings and Bond Hearing

At the bond hearing held on August 21, 2024, Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell presented the charges and outlined the severity of the case. He detailed the prolonged abuse the children had suffered and the efforts made by the accused to mislead law enforcement.

Magistrate Emily M. Bates presided over the hearing and granted the state’s request for substantial bond amounts, reflecting the gravity of the charges and the potential danger posed by the defendants.

Angelina Williams was assigned a bond of $300,000. During the hearing, she tearfully protested the amount, insisting that the cuffs and the dog were not hers and that she had not intended any harm.

Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown received a bond of $250,000. He declined legal representation during the hearing, further complicating his defense.

Robert Michalski, Jr. was given a bond of $150,000, with the court imposing strict conditions, including no contact with minors and no possession of dogs.

All three defendants are scheduled for a criminal video appearance on August 23, 2024, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in this ongoing investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, continues to investigate the case. Prosecutor Tunnell indicated that additional charges might be brought against the defendants following a Grand Jury review. He emphasized that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Community Reaction

The case has drawn significant attention in the local community, with many expressing outrage and concern for the welfare of the child and his sibling. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure justice is served and that the children involved are protected.

As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding further light on the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***