DSS takes doctor’s children

By TARA JENNINGS

Ledger Staff Writer

Four children of two local doctors were taken into emergency protective custody after a police officer said they appeared to be suffering from mental abuse, according to a report at the Gaffney Police Department.

An emergency protective custody hearing is required to be held for the children — ages 4, 6, 9 and 11 — of Drs. Joshua and Beverly Gelardi of 218 Sarratt School Road, Gaffney, within 72 hours of the police action.

The results of that hearing are not public, according to a Cherokee County Department of Social Services supervisor, who declined commenting further about who has custody of the children or if DSS is involved in a case with the Gelardis.

Detective Sgt. Christy Poole of the Gaffney Police Department was dispatched to Gelardi Straight Chiropractic at 209 Brown St. on Friday for a child custody issue, the report states.

After speaking with the four Gelardi children, Poole said the children appeared to be suffering from mental abuse by their parents. She placed the children into emergency protective custody at that time.