Charges Filed in Tulare Child Abuse Arrests

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges related to child abuse in the city of Tulare.

Michael Francis, age 46, Priscilla Roshell, age 27, are each charged with two counts of torture and child abuse under circumstances or conditions like to cause great bodily injury or death. The crimes carry a maximum of life in prison, and are alleged to have been committed between October 1, 2022, and December 15, 2022, against two minor victims. The defendants were arrested on December 15, 2022, by the Tulare Police Department.

Currently, the specific cause of death of a deceased 2-year-old child in the defendants’ care has not yet been medically established and remains under investigation. The Office of the District Attorney will provide an update, including a potential criminal filing, after receiving the results of the medical investigation.

Both defendants were arraigned on the charges this afternoon and pleaded not guilty. The court ordered no bail. The defendants are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing conference on December 27, 2022.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Supervising Deputy District Attorney Sean Sangree (559) 701-2000