LEXINGTON, N.C. — Three people are facing charges after an anonymous tip led deputies to a home where they found a child locked inside of a dog kennel.
In a news release, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said a concerned citizen said that a child had been locked in the kennel overnight. When deputies responded to the home, they found the 9-year-old boy inside the cage, which was padlocked shut. Deputies broke the cage open and released the child, who was evaluated by paramedics at the scene.
Officers said inside the house they found an adult, identified as Sarah Starr, as well as two other children with no obvious injuries, WXII reported.
Deputies said in a news release that two other children who lived in the home were found safe at school, and that all five children have been taken into protective custody.
Detectives charged Sarah Starr and Jonathan Starr, identified as the parents, with felony child abuse, WFMY reported.
Investigators also charged Shelley Barnes, Sarah Starr’s aunt, who owns the home where the family lived, WSOC reported.
All three adults appeared in court on Oct. 20, where a judge increased their bond, deputies said. Both Jonathan and Sarah Starr were ordered to be held on a $100,000 secured bond. Barnes’ bond was increased from $60,000 to $300,000.
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