A couple in Richmond has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse after authorities say they locked their two autistic sons inside a closet as punishment.
According to court documents and investigators in Madison County, Casey Farthing, 41, and Stephanie Harmer, 36, face five counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, along with two counts of first-degree unlawful imprisonment and first-degree criminal mischief.
Authorities said the couple has three children: two non-verbal autistic boys, ages 8 and 9, and a 5-year-old daughter.
The investigation began after a landlord reported extremely poor living conditions at the family’s previous apartment. When officers visited the parents’ new residence, they discovered scratches on the wall inside a closet along with smeared blood, according to court records.
Investigators also found the closet door had a lock that differed from other locks in the apartment. Child Protective Services later reported that the couple’s 5-year-old daughter told officials her parents locked the boys in the closet “when they’re bad.”
The parents denied the allegations, telling authorities the lock was already installed when they moved in. However, the landlord reportedly said the lock was not there before.
Court documents also state that one of the boys had dried blood on his fingers and a broken fingernail. Investigators further reported finding feces on the carpet and baseboards and trash scattered throughout the apartment.
Authorities removed the children from the home and placed them in protective care.
Farthing and Harmer were booked into the Madison County Detention Center on $25,000 bond each. If released, they are prohibited from serving in any caregiving or supervisory role involving children.
Both are scheduled to be arraigned in Madison District Court.