LAWRENCE CO. – A Lawrence County woman is facing criminal charges after an investigation revealed she allegedly filed 18 separate, unsubstantiated child abuse and neglect reports against her daughter, the custodial mother of her grandchild, over the span of three weeks.
The probable cause affidavit, filed by Captain Anthony G. Pope details an alleged pattern of retaliatory behavior stemming from a custody dispute.
Captain Pope initiated the investigation on September 30, 2025, after being contacted by the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation focused on multiple child abuse and neglect reports filed by Kara Bierbaum between September 2 and September 24, 2025.
On October 1, 2025, Captain Pope spoke with a caseworker from the Department of Child Services (DCS), who confirmed that every report made by Kara was unfounded. DCS investigated each of the 18 hotline calls—which included allegations of mental illness, substance abuse, and sexualized behavior—and determined there were “no findings of neglect or abuse.”
DSC advised that the child was found to be “healthy, well cared for, and living in appropriate conditions,” and that Kara’s allegations were “consistent with retaliation” against the custodial mother.
The child’s mother provided a statement, describing a history of “manipulative behavior” from Kara. She claimed that Kara retaliates by filing reports whenever access to the child is limited.
The harassment, the mother reported, included attempts to undermine her parental authority, insert herself into school matters without permission, and pressure her to seek unnecessary medical treatment for the child. She stated the repeated DCS reports began shortly after she asked Kara, in writing on August 24, 2025, to respect her role as the child’s mother.
The affidavit notes that one report was made by an FBI Agent Alex Plank, who confirmed that he called the DCS hotline at Kara’s request and had no firsthand knowledge or prior contact with her regarding the claims.
Captain Pope interviewed Kara Bierbaum on October 1, 2025, after advising her of her Miranda Rights. She admitted to making multiple reports to both DCS and the FBI, claiming she was acting under “federal guidance.”
Kara acknowledged that the mother had reduced her access to the child after she began making the reports. She also admitted she was “seeking legal guardianship” and gathering documentation for her attorney before requesting counsel and terminating the interview.
Further evidence was gathered from a board-certified health professional, who evaluated the mother. She stated that the mother is “stable, coherent, and responsible” in addressing her mental health and has acted appropriately as a parent. The health professional noted that Bierbaum’s actions toward the mother, including “health-related interference and manipulative comments,” were “emotionally abusive.”
Based on the evidence—which included the numerous DCS reports, interviews, and recorded statements—Captain Pope concluded he had probable cause to believe Bierbaum committed the crimes and requested a warrant be issued for Bierbaum’s arrest.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
