Alabama Family Accused of Child Abuse for Allegedly Locking Children Inside Makeshift Wooden Cages
Three people have been arrested after officers suspected them of repeatedly keeping young children locked inside cages at a home in Alabama.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said they received reports of possible child abuse taking place at an address in the city of Smiths Station on Monday.
When officers and members of the Lee County Department of Human Resources arrived at the scene, they found four children aged 3, 4, 10 and 11 years old inside the home.
Investigators also found wooden cages which had hasps and locks built into them. The Lee County Sheriff's Office posted pictures on social media showing a baby's crib which appears to have a wooden pallet bolted on top of it.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered evidence to suggest that the children had been locked inside the cages on multiple occasions.
A fifth child, aged 8 months, was later discovered by investigators but was not inside the residence at the time of the visit. All five children have since been removed from the home and placed into the care of the Lee County Department of Human Resources.
Two days after the discovery of the cages, multiple arrest warrants were obtained by Lee County investigators on Wednesday.
Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment. She is being held on a $122,000 bond.
James H. Bond, 69, was also arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment and is currently being held on a $122,000.
Pamela Deloris Bond, 66, is accused of the same offenses as well an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence. She is being held on a $123,000 bond.
According to Alabama.com, the suspects are the children's mother and grandparents. The Lee County Sheriff's Office has been contacted for further comment.
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.
In a separate case, the Lee County Sheriff's Office denied allegations that reports of cruelty involving a dog in the Phenix City area were not being investigated properly because the animal's owner is an employee of the sheriff's office.
The department said they received several reports of a dog being tied up with a chain and withheld food.
Officers arrived at the scene on more than one occasion to find that the dog in question had adequate food, water and shelter and was not tied up or restricted any access. Further tests carried out on the dog did not reveal any indications of abuse.
"Allegations that the dog's owner is being protected because she is employed by the Sheriff of Lee County are false," the Lee County Sheriff's Office said.
"The owner is not an employee of the Sheriff's office and never has been. The dog is being cared for and authorities are actively monitoring her condition to ensure her welfare."
