A man accused of torturing his two stepdaughters for five years, including hitting them with hammers, threatening gang rape as punishment and pulling their tongues and toes with pliers (according to allegations outlined in court documents), has been ordered held without bail after his dangerousness hearing was waived on Tuesday.
Justin Ladd of North Andover, Massachusetts faces 21 criminal charges, including indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14, open and gross lewdness, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and intimidation of a witness.
The two victims are reportedly now aged 14 and 16. They are in state custody.
Ladd, 33, will be back in Lawrence District Court on June 13.
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