Tracy and Timothy Ferriter, both 46, were apprehended in Jupiter, Florida. They are accused of abusing their 14-year-old son physically and making him reside in a garage. This occurred for five years.
They have both been charged with aggravated child abuse.
Reports note that authorities went to a home after Tracy stated that the child was missing. Authorities then observed an 8-by-8 structure inside the garage that Tracy claimed was a little office.
Documents reveal that the structure contained a deadbolt lock and a light switch only from the outside. A mattress, a sheet, books, and other personal materials were also discovered.
When the teen was seen again at school the next day, he told police that his parents had him held in the garage for 18 hours. He added that he ran away because he felt like no one loved him.
The boy begged officers to arrest him, stating he would rather be locked up than go back to his residence.
Investigators say that since 2017, the teen was allowed to go to school, but remained in the garage the rest of the day at home. His food was brought to him, and he was given a bucket to use as a bathroom.
Thousands of videos from the home reveal the teen held inside of the structure.
The parent’s bail was set at $50,000 each. Their other three children have been taken from their custody.
