Tethered Girl Placed In State Custody

A 15-year-old girl who spent two months tethered to her parents was sent directly from a courtroom Tuesday into state custody. A judge said her home was no place for her to be.

Tonya Kline’s lawyer had argued that being tethered to her mother or father was punishment in itself. The teenager, who was charged with truancy, shoplifting, burglary and grand larceny, also apologized to the judge.

“I deeply regret everything I’ve done and if there is anything,” she said, sobbing. “If there is anything I can do to repay then I am more than willing to do so.”

The judge was unmoved.