Boot camp workers charged with dragging girl

updated 10:10 p.m. ET Aug. 11, 2007

BANQUETE, Texas - Authorities charged the director of a Christian boot camp and an employee with dragging a 15-year-old girl behind a van after she fell behind the group during a morning run.

Charles Eugene Flowers and Stephanie Bassitt of San Antonio-based Love Demonstrated Ministries, a 32-day boot camp for at-risk teens, are accused of tying the girl to the van with a rope June 12 and dragging her, according to an arrest affidavit filed Wednesday.

Flowers, the camp’s director, ordered Bassitt to run alongside the girl after she fell behind, according to the affidavit. When the girl stopped running, Bassitt yelled at her and pinned her to the ground while Flowers tied the rope to her, according to the affidavit.

The girl was treated for scrapes and bruises on her stomach, legs and arms.

The girl’s mother gave investigators photos of her daughter’s injuries and a sworn statement from a witness who claimed to have seen the girl dragged on her stomach at least three times.

Flowers and Bassitt remained jailed Saturday on $100,000 bond each on aggravated assault charges.

A call to Love Demonstrated Ministries was not immediately returned Friday. No listing was found for Bassitt. An answering machine at a listing for Flowers cut off during an attempt to leave a message Friday.

More from msnbc.com RedTape: DirecTV thrives on ‘deception,’ lawsuit says Doctor's mission to save Ethiopian kids' hearts Bad Santa: Gifts that say you’re old, fat or hairy  What hit Italian prime minister? Take our weekly quiz Send your holiday pictures to troops Send us your memories and images of the past decade

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Utah police find 2 adults, 2 kids slain at home Federal judge could face impeachment Man guilty of in-home indecent exposure Legal fees mount in Madoff liquidation Search to resume for Vt. woman shot, burned Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: