A Maryland mother and her boyfriend have been arrested after investigators say they routinely confined a 4-year-old child inside a dark closet that lacked lighting and food, allegedly keeping the child locked inside for approximately 12 hours each day.
Kaylynn Nicole Moore, 28, and James Earl Stone, 27, have each been charged with child abuse and seven counts of child neglect, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Following their arrests, both were booked into the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, where they awaited bond hearings.
Deputies Responded to Report of Child Locked in Closet
The investigation began on Monday after deputies were dispatched to a home in the 2000 block of Roh Ranch Lane in Callaway, a community in southern Maryland located about 70 miles from Washington, D.C.
Authorities said they received a report alleging that a child was being held inside a closet.
After arriving at the residence, deputies were granted permission to enter the home. During their search, they discovered a closet door that had allegedly been secured with a bungee cord. When officers opened the door, they found a 4-year-old child confined inside.
Search Warrant Revealed Troubling Conditions
Following the initial discovery, investigators obtained a search warrant to conduct a more thorough examination of the residence.
According to the sheriff’s office, the closet where the child had allegedly been kept was found in deplorable condition. Investigators reported that the small space had no functioning light and contained no edible food.
Authorities have not said how long the child had been inside the closet before deputies arrived.
Mother Allegedly Admitted Child Was Kept There Daily
During interviews with investigators, Moore allegedly admitted that the child was placed inside the closet every day for approximately 12 hours.
Police have not disclosed why the child was allegedly confined for such long periods or how long the practice had been taking place.
Boyfriend Allegedly Helped Secure the Closet
Investigators identified Stone as Moore’s boyfriend and said he also lived at the residence.
According to authorities, Stone admitted that he used the bungee cord to secure the closet door, preventing the child from leaving the confined space.
That alleged admission became part of the evidence supporting the charges filed against him.
Other Children Found Safe in the Home
Authorities said the residence was occupied by three adults and five children, including the 4-year-old.
Deputies evaluated the welfare of the other children living in the home and determined that none of them required immediate medical attention.
Investigators have not publicly identified the third adult who was present in the residence or indicated whether that individual could face charges.
Couple Faces Multiple Criminal Charges
Based on the investigation, Moore and Stone were each charged with:
- Child abuse
- Seven counts of child neglect
Both defendants remain subject to court proceedings. As of the latest update, officials had not released additional information regarding bond decisions or upcoming court appearances.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the child’s current condition or whether additional charges could be filed.
Authorities also have not identified the child or the other children in the home. The investigation remains active, and the allegations against Moore and Stone have not been proven in court. Both are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty through the legal process.
