Article content

PHILADELPHIA — A doctor known for his research into near-death experiences of children was in jail on Thursday on charges he disciplined his 11-year-old daughter with a simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding, Delaware State Police said.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Delaware doctor jailed after being accused of waterboarding 11-year-old daughter Back to video

Dr. Melvin Morse, 58, and his wife Pauline Morse, 40, were arrested at their home in Georgetown, Delaware, on Tuesday on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and conspiracy.

The pediatrician, who was held in lieu of $14,500 bail, was accused of waterboarding the girl four times over two years starting in May 2009. Police said she had so much water poured on her face that it would go up her nose.

[np-related]

They said Pauline Morse, who was released after arrest, saw some of the punishment but did not stop it.

Police learned of the waterboarding, a controversial technique more typically associated with the interrogation of terrorism suspects, earlier this week when they spoke with the girl about a separate incident.