Photo: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
A Florida couple is in jail after police say they physically abused their 13-year-old adopted son and forced him to live in a garage for five years.
Jupiter police arrested 46-year-old Tracy Ferriter and 46-year-old Timothy Ferriter on charges of aggravated child abuse.
Detectives responded to a residence in the Egret Landing community regarding a follow-up to a 13-year-old missing runaway investigation on Jan. 30.
According to reports, while inside the home, the detective came across an 8-by-8 structure within the garage that the mother described as a small office.
The structure was equipped with a doorknob and deadbolt, which locked from the outside. A light switch was also located on the exterior wall. According to officials, inside the room was a camera, mattress, and a bucket for bathroom use.
Investigators determined the 13-year-old had been forced to live in the garage. He was allowed to attend school but was confined to the garage for the rest of the day.
Tracy and Timothy Ferriter were taken to the Palm Beach County Jail. The other three children were removed from the home by Child Protective Services.