March 20, 2026 – Amador County District Attorney’s Office officials report that defendants Morgan Avants and Virginia Knapp have been arrested on a warrant and charged with violations of Penal Code sections 206 (torture) and 273a(a) (causing willful harm or injury to a child). Defendant Avants is alleged to have personally inflicted great bodily injury within the meaning of Penal Code section 12022.7(a). The defendants will be arraigned on Friday, March 20th, at 1:30 p.m.

Between January 29th and February 4th of this year, a 6-year-old child suffered great bodily injury while in the care of Avants and Knapp. The child has since received intensive, ongoing medical treatment and is safe.

The Amador County District Attorney's Office thanks the Amador County Sheriff's Office for leading a thorough and conscientious investigation. We also thank the talented medical and support staff at Shriners Children's Northern California Hospital and UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, as well as the hardworking Amador County Child Protective Services personnel. Cases involving children are deeply impactful for first responders and law enforcement, and this victim will continue to be cared for by compassionate professionals.

Source: Amador County District Attorney’s Office