Child abuse investigation reveals wooden cages to lock up kids, Alabama cops say
A child abuse investigation in Alabama led to an alarming discovery at a home this week, according to local authorities.
Investigators and social workers were doing a welfare check Monday in Smiths Station, Alabama, when they discovered “two wooden constructed cages that had hasps and locks,” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies said the investigation “revealed evidence that the children had been locked in the cages on multiple occasions.”
Investigators said four children — ages 2, 4, 10 and 11 — were at the home during the welfare check, while another child — an 8-month-old — lived at the home but wasn’t there at the time.
All five children are in the custody of Lee County’s Department of Human Resources after being removed from the home, deputies said.
Lee County investigators said three adults were arrested on child abuse charges in the case after warrants were obtained on Wednesday.
Pamela Deloris Bond, 66, faces charges of aggravated child abuse, reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence. She is being held on $123,000 bond, according to deputies.
James H. Bond, 69, and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, face child abuse and reckless endangerment charges, and both are being held on $122,000 bond, deputies said.
“Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847,” deputies said.
Deputies shared photos of the cages on Facebook on Wednesday, as well as apparent mugshots of the suspects arrested in the case.
The Facebook post has been shared more than 1,000 times.
The suspects were taken to the Lee County Jail, the Opelika-Auburn News reports. AL.com described the trio as a mother, grandmother and grandfather.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Child abuse investigation reveals wooden cages to lock up kids, Alabama cops say."
