Man Charged After Allegedly Confining Wife in Home for Years

A Texas man was recently arrested after the authorities discovered that his disabled wife had allegedly been confined to a bedroom of their family home for several years.

Investigators say the situation was revealed on March 6 when the woman briefly called 911. The authorities later alleged that the call was only possible because the man had accidentally left his phone inside the room before leaving the house. The man returned home while she was still on the call, and he allegedly struck her, carried her back to the bed, and ended the call.

Police later responded to the residence and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the call. The investigation reportedly led the authorities to conclude that the woman had been kept locked inside a bedroom of the home for approximately five years.

According to reports, the woman told investigators she had very little contact with the outside world during that time and reportedly had no access to a phone. Authorities also alleged that she was not given adequate food while confined. According to court filings, the man would sometimes leave her with only a single egg and small portions of dinner.

Investigators further alleged that the woman did not receive consistent medical care during the years she was reportedly confined. Court documents also suggested the woman may have previously attempted to alert authorities. Police were reportedly called to the home in November, but officers left without filing a report after she allegedly said she and her children had been told not to speak with police.

Following the investigation, the 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with injury to a disabled individual and abandoning or endangering a disabled individual. He was later released from jail after posting $50,000 bond with conditions that reportedly included no contact with his wife, wearing a GPS monitor, and not possessing firearms.

Medics transported the woman to a local hospital, where she reportedly remained for several days.

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.