AURORA, Mo. (WKRC) — A Missouri woman is facing a child abuse charge after investigators say her daughter described being pressured to make false allegations against her father during a custody dispute, according to Law & Order.
Amy Rinker, 40, is accused of threatening her daughter and instructing her to make claims of abuse that the girl later told investigators were untrue, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The investigation began in April after authorities received a report of suspected child abuse.
During the investigation, a counselor told detectives the girl had previously described a folder containing written statements her mother allegedly wanted her to repeat to others. The counselor said the girl first disclosed information about the folder in January 2026, according to KY3.
Investigators also reviewed records from earlier custody proceedings involving the girl and her sister. According to the affidavit, a court had raised concerns about similarities in the children's testimony and the extent of their mother's influence.
The girl told investigators she felt safe at her father's home but did not feel safe with her mother. She also alleged that her mother struck her when she made mistakes while practicing the statements and repeatedly insulted her.
A counselor described the girl's emotional condition as a “terrible trauma state,” according to the affidavit.
Rinker denied threatening her daughter, coaching her to make allegations against her father, or...
AURORA, Mo. (WKRC) — A Missouri woman is facing a child abuse charge after investigators say her daughter described being pressured to make false allegations against her father during a custody di...