Houtzdale Couple Accused Of Beating Children With Wooden Chair Legs And Belts

A Houtzdale couple, John and Charity Ciavatta,  were arraigned yesterday on hundreds of child abuse charges after an investigation into allegations they abused their three adoptive daughters aged 10, 13, and 15, over the past seven years.  The children reported being beaten with belts and wooden chair legs as punishment, and at least two victims also accused John Ciavatta of sexual abuse.  Both parents are facing charges that include felony aggravated assault, and child endangerment with John Ciavatta facing additional charges that include indecent assault.  The couple is facing a preliminary hearing on February 4^th.