Ashland County, Ohio – Angelina Williams, a 28-year-old mother, has been sentenced to at least 19 years in prison after her 6-year-old son was attacked by a pit bull while he was restrained and unable to defend himself. The sentence was handed down last week in Ashland County Common Pleas Court.
The Attack and the Sentence
Judge Dave Stimpert reprimanded Williams for allowing her son to be treated like a “chew toy” by the pit bull. Williams had handcuffed her son’s wrists and ankles as punishment for refusing to pick up dog waste in the yard, according to the indictment.
While attempting to tie him to a chair, the boy fell to the ground and was attacked by the pit bull. The dog clamped onto the child’s throat, tearing it apart and causing severe lacerations. The pit bull would not let go until it was pulled off.
The dog’s owner, Robert Michalski, Jr., quickly fled the scene to avoid having the dog removed from his custody.
Charges and Conviction
In May, Williams pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping, obstruction of justice, possessing criminal tools, and four counts of child endangerment. She was facing trial before deciding to plead guilty. Williams will receive credit for the 361 days she spent in jail since her arrest in August 2024.
Emotional Impact
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Stimpert described the attack as shocking: “That dog tried to rip out his throat,” he said. He added, “The bruising around his eyes, the pressure the dog put on his throat, and the wounds on his neck… it’s hard to find words for that.”
Background of the Incident
The incident began when Williams took her children — the 6-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister — to visit a small village in Savannah, Ohio. During the visit, Williams began using handcuffs and ropes to discipline her children. She even posted a picture of her daughter, restrained with handcuffs, on social media.
Williams admitted to these actions during her first court appearance, though she questioned the judge about the high bond set for her. “I feel like that’s high,” Williams said. “I didn’t even know the cuffs were illegal,” she added, claiming her uncle told her it was okay and that she never meant any harm.
The Boy’s Recovery and Ongoing Case
Despite the terrifying attack, the boy made a full recovery. Both he and his sister are now living with a legal custodian who is providing them with the care and support they need.
In addition to Williams, Michalski and another man, Taylor Marvin-Brown (who prosecutors say was Williams’ lover), were also convicted for their involvement in the attack. They are scheduled for sentencing later this month.
Williams, who is currently in Ashland County Jail, will be transferred to the Ohio State Reformatory for Women to serve her sentence.
