BLOOMINGTON — A Bloomington mother and her boyfriend face multiple felony neglect charges after police discovered a 1-year-old child was routinely pinched, bruised, and barricaded inside a small, overheating closet using a heavy gym weight.
Journey Stapleton, 22, and her boyfriend, Oleksandr Asher, have both been charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent—one as a Level 5 felony and the other as a Level 6 felony.
According to Monroe County court documents, the Bloomington Police Department initiated an investigation on Friday, June 5, 2026, after a concerned citizen filed a formal abuse report.
The witness detailed multiple instances of severe mistreatment. The complainant reported riding in a vehicle with Stapleton when the 1-year-old began crying. Stapleton allegedly covered the child’s mouth for extended periods to silence him while cursing at the victim.
At a residence in the 500 block of West Home Street, the witness reported seeing Stapleton pinch the infant to stop him from crying. Photos documenting extensive bruising on the child’s legs were provided to detectives.
The witness learned that the child was routinely locked inside a closet. To prevent the toddler from pushing the door open and escaping, a heavy kettlebell was allegedly placed directly in front of the door.
The complainant further noted that the living conditions inside the home were hazardous, describing severe clutter, an insect infestation, and a lack of available food.
Bloomington Police detectives successfully secured and executed a search warrant at the home. Inside, officers uncovered a heavily neglected environment.
According to the probable cause affidavit, police found drug paraphernalia alongside a bed that was soaked in urine and heavily soiled with feces. When investigators located the closet where the 1-year-old had been confined, they described the space as “extremely small” and “very hot,” lacking proper ventilation.
When interviewed by law enforcement, Stapleton allegedly admitted to cursing at the infant, covering his mouth, and acknowledged that she “could have caused the bruising.” She further confessed to keeping the baby locked in the closet, telling officers she knew she should not have done it.
Stapleton was booked into the Monroe County Jail and made her initial court appearance on Monday, June 8. A Monroe County judge has already scheduled a jury trial in her case for November 16, 2026.
Asher was also taken into custody for his alleged role in the confinement and neglect of the dependent. Court records show Asher’s bond was set at $500 cash and $2,000 surety. The Monroe County Clerk’s Office confirmed that Asher has since posted bond and been released from custody. Asher is scheduled to appear in court for his initial hearing on Friday, June 12, 2026.
