Suspended sentences given in Oklahoma abuse case

FAIRVIEW — Liberian-born Mary Tyler testified Monday she thought she was coming to a free country when brought to Oklahoma. She said since her adoptive parents were accused of abuse, she’s felt like she’s in prison.

Tyler, 16, was the star witness Monday in Major County District Court for her parents, Ardee Verlon Tyler, 51, and Penny Sue Tyler, 46. The Fairvew couple pleaded no contest to felony child abuse charges in connection with the abuse of another of their adopted girls, now age 13.

Judge Ray Dean Linder gave both parents 10-year suspended prison sentences, but is requiring Penny Tyler to spend 60 days in the county jail beginning Monday.

The sentencing for their son, Ashton Tyler, 20, charged with felony rape by instrumentation, was rescheduled for March. He has pleaded no contest, and like his parents is allowing a judge to determine his punishment rather than a jury.

Their daughter, Nathania Tyler, 21, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault and battery. She was sentenced Monday to 90 days in jail, all suspended.

Linder said he was reluctant to give Ardee Tyler time behind bars partly because the family household relies on the $20,000 annual income he brings in as a carpenter. Taking him out of the home would cause an undue hardship on the family, especially the children, he said. For that same reason he imposed no fine on either parent.

Linder said he also took into consideration a "voluminous” report from the Tylers’ presentencing investigation, which recommended jail time for Penny Tyler and none for Ardee Tyler.

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