Texas – In a harrowing case of prolonged abuse in Texas, a former 51-year-old jail corporal, identified as Richard R. and his 52-year-old wife, identified as Nora R., were arrested after authorities say they kept their adopted 15-year-old son locked in a room for nearly ten years, limiting his access to food, water, and a bathroom. The teenager was reportedly confined since the age of five, emerging only for brief meals and enduring beatings whenever he misbehaved. Despite the grave accusations, both adoptive parents were released on bond just one day after their arrest.
Richard, who had worked with the sheriff’s office as a jail corporal, and his wife, Nora, were each charged with one count of unlawful restraint of a child under the age of 17. The arrest came after police responded to a welfare check at the couple’s home last week. A tip had warned of possible neglect and confinement of a child inside the house. When officers arrived at the home, they spoke with the teenager, who initially hesitated to speak freely in front of his adoptive parents. But eventually, he described the cruel and isolating conditions he had endured for most of his life.
The teen explained that since he was five, he had been locked in his bedroom every night and would not be let out until his adoptive parents woke up, sometimes not until noon. Without access to a bathroom, he was forced to relieve himself in bottles or plastic bags. Officers noted that the room had numerous visible stains. The only furnishings in the room were a bed with a mattress protector, a blanket, and an empty desk. The door handle had also been reversed, allowing it to be locked only from the outside.
His daily routine, according to the report, involved waking up around 8 a.m., waiting for hours to be let out, eating lunch, and spending three hours being homeschooled. After doing chores, he would be locked in the room again until dinnertime, when he’d be briefly let out just to eat, then locked away for the night. The boy added that he had no TV, phone, or computer, and spent much of his time sleeping or waiting. He said even minor “infractions” would result in him being punched on the arms and back or struck with a back scratcher. The last time he was punished was when his parents discovered he had secretly used their money to buy a phone to call for help. They reportedly starved him for two days.
Following the chilling disclosures, the police department’s Crimes Against Children Unit took over the investigation. The couple was arrested and processed at the county detention facility. Both posted a split bond totaling $100,000 and were released the next day. Though bond has been posted, it remains unclear when Richard and Nora are due to appear in court. The case has shocked the local community and drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of adopted children who may suffer in silence for years.
As the investigation continues, many are questioning how a child could endure such treatment unnoticed for a decade—especially in the home of a former law enforcement official. The boy is now in protective custody, and authorities have not disclosed whether further charges may be filed or if additional children were involved.
