ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996                   TAG: 9605240075
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-3  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY 

STEPMOTHER CHARGED IN BEATINGS OF TWO GIRLS

A Bedford County woman was arrested Thursday after she was accused of physically abusing her stepchildren.

Judy Holstein, 51, of Thaxton was charged with two counts of malicious wounding.

Lt. John McCane of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office said the charges stem from an incident Tuesday night in which her 10- and 9-year-old stepdaughters were beaten with a belt.

"A classmate noticed the marks on Wednesday and told their teacher. The school, following policy, then notified Bedford County Social Services, who contacted the commonwealth's attorney," McCane said.

The children were taken to the hospital and treated for severe bruising and trauma to the back, arms, chest, stomach and legs before being placed in foster care.

Holstein was released from custody on a $2,500 secured bond pending a hearing, McCane said.

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