An Ohio couple who brought their adopted 9-year-old son to a child services center, saying that they no longer wanted to care for the boy, is facing criminal charges, according to ABC News.
Cleveland and Lisa Cox took the boy to Butler County Children's Services in early November after the boy's behavioral issues became too much for them.
"Adoptive children don't come with a return-to-sender stamp on the forehand," Mike Gmoser, the prosecuting attorney of Butler County, told the news station.
"You don't get to give back. You have to accept them and give them unconditional love when you have the means and ability to provide for them. You may not have to love them, but it's your child, period," he said.
Gmoser took the case to a grand jury after learning of the child's return from his office's juvenile division. The grand jury returned an indictment against the couple, charging them with one count each of misdemeanor nonsupport of dependents.
The couple could face a possible six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, is under the guardianship of attorney Adolfo Olivas, ABC News reports.
Olivas told the news station: "The parents were willing to get help, but the child wasn't. That just is nonsense to me. A parent is a parent and a 9-year-old is a 9-year-old. If your 9-year-old needs help, you get him help. It is not a question of a 9-year-old wanting it or not."
"[The child is] hurt and confused and traumatized," Olivas said
The couple has a Nov. 27 court date scheduled.
Read more at ABC News.