Parents of Liberian Rape Victim Arrested for Child Abuse

PHOENIX - The parents of the 8-year-old Liberian girl who was allegedly gang-raped at her apartment complex earlier this year, have now been arrested for child abuse.

Arrest warrants were issued for 59-year-old Hemis Dio and his wife, 47-year-old Wedeh Dio. Each of them are facing child abuse charges related to an investigation conducted by police and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office over the past several months.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Phoenix Police, Glendale Police and Child Protective Services had been called to the victim's home on numerous occasions dating back to 2005.

On two separate occasions, police say child neglect reports were filed against Dio and his wife. The Dios each face eight counts for a series of abuse and neglect incidents dating back to 2005. Not only do they face years in prison -- they could be deported back to Liberia.

An immigration case is immediately opened when a refugee gets arrested.

Four boys, ages 10 to 14, are accused of raping the 8-year-old girl back in July, after luring her to a vacant storage shed near her parent's apartment. All four suspects were arrested and charged in the attack.

The little girl was removed from the home after the rape and is still in the custody of Child Protective Services. The couple has four other children.

Bond for the Dios is set at $30,000.