BEND, Ore. — A Sunriver woman and her parents are facing a range of charges in connection with a harrowing child abuse case, including attempted murder. Sarah Session, 30, appeared in Deschutes County court on Monday, where she pleaded not guilty to 23 charges, including assault, criminal mistreatment, and coercion. Her parents, Paula Hardenberg, 60, and Gary Hardenberg, 65, also entered not guilty pleas in connection with the case.
Session is accused of brutally beating a child under the age of 10 with a curtain rod, poisoning the child, and forcing the young victim to eat their own vomit. In addition to the charge of attempted murder, the charges against her include multiple counts of assault, criminal mistreatment, and coercion.
The case has shocked the community, with authorities describing the allegations as particularly disturbing. According to Deschutes County court documents, the abuse began months before the family’s arrest. Law enforcement officials say the child was subjected to repeated physical and emotional abuse, leading to the severe charges brought against Session.
Her parents are also implicated in the crime. Paula Hardenberg faces charges of assault, criminal mistreatment, and tampering with evidence, while Gary Hardenberg is accused of criminal mistreatment for allegedly withholding necessary care from the child. He, too, faces charges of tampering with evidence.
The family was arrested in Coos Bay in February after a statewide warrant was issued for their capture. The charges against them stem from a lengthy investigation that unfolded after the child was able to escape and seek help.
As of now, Sarah Session remains incarcerated at the Deschutes County Jail, where she is being held on $1 million bail. Meanwhile, her parents have been released from custody but are subject to strict conditions. The Hardenbergs are allowed to have contact with each other but have been ordered by the judge not to discuss the case.
The case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and prepare for further court proceedings. If convicted, the defendants face significant prison time. The community, still reeling from the details of the case, is left to wait for justice to unfold.
