The structure contained a camera, a mattress and a bucket
A couple in Florida have been arrested for allegedly forcing their adopted son to live in a small box structure in the garage of their home.
Police discovered the conditions the 13-year-old was being made to live in when he was reported missing from the family home in Jupiter, Florida, on January 30.
After an investigation, authorities concluded the teen had been forced to live in the eight-by-eight-foot structure since at least 2017.
In a statement,
Jupiter Police Department said: "On January 30, 2022, detectives responded to a residence in the Egret Landing community regarding a follow-up to a 13 year-old missing runaway investigation.
"Detectives made contact with the mother, Tracy Ferriter at the residence who allowed one detective into the home.
"While the detective was in the residence, he noticed an 8x8 structure within the garage that was described by the mother as a small office."
The structure was apparently able to be locked from the outside, with a light switch only on the exterior.
The box also contained a camera, mattress and a bucket. The mother claimed it was used an office or for storage space.
The next day, officers located the teen and interviewed him.
https://www.facebook.com/JupiterPolice/posts/1022469058620252
After interviews and an investigation, they established that the juvenile had "been physically abused and forcibly confined to live within the garage structure by his adopted parents (Tracy Ferriter and Timothy Ferriter) since at least 2017."
They continued: "The juvenile was able to attend school; however, was confined to the structure during the remainder of the day. Meals were brought to the child and the bucket was provided for bathroom use."
The couple have been arrested for aggravated child abuse and are being held in Palm Beach County Jail.
Three other children were living in their home. They have since been placed into the custody of Child Protective Services, authorities said.
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