Men refused child welfare workers entry, face new charges

Two men in Tennessee are facing serious charges after police say they restrained a child to a bed and refused to let state workers into their home.

Ernest Newbern, 58, and Anthony Wiseman, 68, were arrested in Clarksville on Friday following a report that raised concerns about the treatment of children living in their household. Police allege the men held a child against their will, tying or securing them to a bed. When caseworkers from Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (DCS) arrived to investigate, authorities say the men refused to let them enter the home. State law requires cooperation during child welfare checks, especially when abuse or neglect is suspected.

According to a police affidavit, officers responded to a welfare check after receiving a tip about possible mistreatment. When they arrived, they found the child in distress and learned the men had restricted their movement. Police say the child showed signs of trauma, though specific injuries were not detailed in the affidavit. The men’s refusal to allow DCS officials inside the home likely worsened the situation and delayed intervention. Both Newbern and Wiseman now face charges including aggravated child abuse and obstruction of a child abuse investigation.

The case highlights the risks of interfering with child welfare investigations and the legal consequences of obstructing authorities. Tennessee law gives DCS caseworkers the right to enter homes when there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect. Refusing entry can lead to criminal charges, especially when it prevents critical intervention. The men’s arrest sends a clear message about the state’s commitment to protecting children and enforcing cooperation during welfare checks. Investigators are still gathering evidence, and more charges could follow depending on the findings.