Hi, my name is Tonya, and I’m asking for your help during one of the hardest times in my life.

Not long ago, I made a decision that many would see as an act of love—I stepped in to raise three children after my sister fell into addiction. At this point, my own children were already grown. I had worked hard to build a life for myself. I didn’t hesitate to opened my home, my heart, giving up my comfort and stability to give them a chance. I poured everything I had—my time, my love, and every resource I built—into helping them heal and grow into respectful, responsible young people.

One of the children, my nephew, struggled deeply with serious behavioral issues. Despite all my efforts, his behavior kept escalating. The school administration called me constantly—not to report progress, but to share yet another troubling incident. Teacher's telling me he makes them uncomfortable when he gets angry. A week before everything fell apart, I got a call saying my nephew had assaulted someone on the school bus. Then came another call: this time, he had taken another child’s belongings and refused to return it when the teacher asked.

I was at my breaking point. I felt helpless—like nothing I was doing was making a difference. It's hard hearing over and over again he is uncontrollable. In a moment of deep frustration and desperation, I gave him a whooping. And for that, I was charged with a crime.

In court, I was overwhelmed. I had already lost everything—my home, my business, my livelihood. I took a plea deal just to get out and try to save what little I had left. I wasn’t trying to escape responsibility—I was just trying to stop the domino effect of my life.

I never got the fair chance I deserved.

The attorney hired for me didn’t file a single motion. They never subpoenaed school records, never questioned CPS protocol, never challenged false police statements, and never submitted follow-up photos that could have shown the truth. They didn’t fight for me at all. Instead, they looked at me and said, “Welcome to Dearborn County.” A county known for how proudly it sends people to prison.

Now, I’m trying to make things right.

I’m raising funds to hire a civil rights attorney—someone who will finally stand up for me and fight for the truth. Someone who will make sure my voice is heard, the full story is told, and my rights are protected. This isn’t just about me. It’s about holding the system accountable when it fails people like me. It’s about every aunt, uncle, grandparent, sibling, or friend who steps up to care for children when their parents can’t—and ends up criminalized for trying to do the right thing.

If you believe in justice, second chances, and protecting families who step in during times of crisis—please consider donating or sharing my story. Every bit of support helps me fight back, clear my name, and rebuild my life.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

— Tonya Watson