Preacher charged with assaulting wife after she kidnaps baby

CLINTON, S.C. — A South Carolina preacher and his wife have been jailed on separate charges related to an investigation that was triggered by the kidnapping of a 2-month-old baby.

[RELATED: Man charged with human trafficking after teen escapes to restaurant]

Citing a Laurens County sheriff's release, news outlets report 31-year-old Jennifer Bunting English was arrested Sept. 21 after the mother of the infant she was babysitting reported her child hadn't been returned and the babysitter stopped communicating.

[RELATED: Charlotte pastor accused of disappearing with nearly half a million dollars]

Deputies found her smoking marijuana around the child. She is charged with kidnapping and unlawful conduct toward a child.

[RELATED: Woman helps kidnapped teen tortured for 3 days: 'He was so scared']

During the investigation, deputies found her husband, 33-year-old David English, helped her obtain illegal drugs and assaulted her earlier that week, causing significant injuries. He was booked Monday on charges of second-degree domestic violence and unlawful conduct toward a child.

It's unclear whether the couple has lawyers.

[RELATED: 'Kidnapping prankster' says he doesn't try to hurt anyone]

Associated Press