Paoli, Indiana – July 18, 2025 — A deeply troubling case of prolonged child abuse has led to the arrest of a Paoli woman on multiple felony charges. Officers with the Paoli Police Department took Rachelle Lynn McCarter Kitchell into custody Friday on an active felony arrest warrant issued by the Sullivan Circuit Court. Kitchell is now being held without bond at the Sullivan County Jail.
According to court filings, the charges against Kitchell stem from a harrowing investigation into allegations of abuse that spanned nearly two years and involved multiple children. The abuse reportedly came to light after the children’s grandmother contacted authorities, raising serious concerns about their well-being.
Among the most disturbing allegations included in the criminal complaint are:
- The intentional removal of children’s toenails,
- The use of burning as a form of punishment, and
- The application of remote-controlled shock collars on the children.
Investigators described a pattern of cruel and calculated abuse that inflicted both physical and emotional trauma on the young victims.
As of July 18, Kitchell faces nine felony charges, including:
- Three counts of Domestic Battery with Serious Bodily Injury to a Person Under 14 (Level 3 Felony),
- Three counts of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 3 Felony), and
- Three counts of Domestic Battery with Bodily Injury (Level 5 Felony).
A felony warrant for her arrest was issued on July 17, 2025, by the Sullivan Circuit Court, which ordered that Kitchell be arrested and held without bond pending further legal proceedings.
The Paoli Police Department emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community. In a public statement, the department affirmed that it “remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that justice is pursued in all cases of abuse and neglect.”
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not released further details regarding the number of children involved or their current condition, citing their privacy and safety.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Paoli Police Department or the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance in reporting signs of abuse and the critical role that community members play in safeguarding children from harm.
End of Statement
Issued by the Paoli Police Department
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