The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man and his girlfriend have been accused of regularly locking a boy in a shed for extended periods without necessities and proper facilities.
44-year-old Harry Richard Shoemaker, and his girlfriend, Jennifer Ann Hines, 36, reside in Arcadia. Shoemaker has a 14-year-old autistic son.
The teen’s grandmother recently became concerned about the way he was being cared for, and she placed a call to DCF (Department of Children and Families) to see if they could check on her grandson.
When DCF went to the residence, they noticed that there was a shed measuring 6 x 10 on the property.
Upon further inspection, the worker reportedly found that a child was locked inside the structure, and the authorities were notified.
The Arcadia Police Department sent officers to the address. When they walked over to the shed, they found the child was still inside, and it was locked from the outside.
The authorities busted the lock off the outside of the shed’s door, and the boy was released from the small enclosure.
When the police inspected the inside of the shed, they reported that there were wood beams and clutter, empty junk food wrappers, and a bucket filled with human feces. Only one water bottle was found, and the child reportedly said he was nursing the contents because he would not be given more for the entire weekend.
The boy also reportedly disclosed that if he needs to use the restroom, he must go to a nearby business to use their facilities.
It was reported that the authorities asked Shoemaker for the details of the situation, and the man said he felt he had to lock the boy in the shed. He reportedly said the teenager behaves in ways that make it necessary.
The police believe that Hines had a hand in the alleged abuse, and she is being held legally accountable for her possible involvement.
Shoemaker and Hines were both taken into custody and booked into the DeSoto County Jail. They are each facing felony charges of aggravated child abuse. Each of their bonds was set at $75,000.
It is reported that the boy is in good health, and staying with his grandmother in New York.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.