Three kids were forced into plastic boxes as punishment by their father and stepmother, ABC News reports Jan. 23. The couple pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors Tuesday on charges of felony child endangerment and misdemeanor unlawful restraint. They face up to three years in prison. Sentencing is pending.
Children ages 5, 6 and 8 were put into plastic storage boxes June 16 while their father, James Taylor and their stepmother, Samantha, went to the grocery store. They had two uncles stay with them while they were gone. When a friend showed up at their house in Steubenville, Ohio they were let out of the boxes and police were notified.
Law enforcement said the kids would spend 15 to 30 minutes inside the plastic containers sealed with duct tape and square holes cut out on the lids for air.
The plastic boxes appeared to have had water poured inside the air holes while the children were crammed inside them.
Authorities said it was a cycle of abuse that also involved dropping weights on the children's feet.
All three kids are living with other relatives and are reportedly doing well.
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