Sheriff's Detectives Arrest Foster Parent for Child Abuse

Investigation Yields 9 Victims and 2 Arrests

Orcutt - August 11th, 2010

A State licensed foster parent from Orcutt and her nephew are facing several felony counts of child abuse following an investigation into reports that children in the woman’s care were severely mistreated.

On Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Santa Barbara Sheriff’s detectives began the investigation with Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services, after CWS alerted them that they had removed four children from a home in Orcutt.

For approximately the last four years, the four foster children (ages 10-16 years old) had been in the care of Bertha Mae Savoy, who is licensed through the State. They reported that during that time, Savoy had beaten them with plastic hangers and had denied them food and shelter. Two of the victims said that on at least two occasions they were forced to sleep outside on the backyard concrete.

The victims also disclosed that Savoy would call her nephew, Duane Patrick James to her residence in order to enforce punishments by physically abusing them. James also reportedly threatened to kill the victims and bury them in the backyard if they did not do as they were told.

On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, Detectives obtained arrest and search warrants for Bertha Savoy and Duane Patrick James at their residences, which are next to each other in a residential section of Orcutt. During the search, Sheriff’s Detectives District Attorney Investigators, and CWS personnel removed four more (non-foster) children (ages 8-17 years old) from James’ home. Further investigation revealed that the two of the children had also been the victims of child abuse.

During the last six weeks, Sheriff’s detectives expanded their investigation by identifying and interviewing other juveniles who had been in foster care under Bertha Savoy within the last three years. Four juveniles (ages 12-16), who were former residents in Savoy’s foster home, were able to corroborate the statements made by the first four victims. The investigation also revealed that three of the former residents were also the victims of child abuse. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office has identified nine victims of child abuse; seven who lived with Savoy and two who lived with James next door. Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services has placed all the children in protective custody.

Bertha Mae Savoy (DOB 10/18/38) was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, on six felony child abuse charges (273A(A) PC). She was released Thursday, July 1, 2010, after posting  $100,000 bail. The District Attorney’s Office has since filed two misdemeanor charges of dissuading a witness.

Duane Patrick James (DOB 3/17/72) was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 on six felony child abuse charges (273A(A) PC) with bail set at $100,000. He was released on July 20, 2010 after posting bail. The District Attorney’s Office has filed another misdemeanor count of child abuse in addition to the original six felony charges.

Sheriff’s Detectives are seeking any additional information on Bertha Mae Savoy or Duane Patrick James. Those with information are asked to contact the Santa Maria Sheriff’s Station at 805-934-6170 or the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at 805-681-4171. 

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please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

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