The Hartford Courant
WATERTOWN, Conn. — A Watertown couple is facing charges after police say they made their five adopted children stand in a bathroom for long periods of time as punishment, including one off and on for three months.
Police said they began investigating George and Nancie Barnes after one of the children complained of the abuse at school. George is a Watertown volunteer firefighter, according to Watertown Fire Chief Larry Black.
The investigation discovered that the couple would lock their children in the bathroom for an extended period of time and force them to stand up and read, police said. The couple used baby monitors to make sure the children did not sit down and would bring food to them in the bathroom, police said.
Police said the children went to school and did not have to sleep in the bathroom.
The Barnes’ five adopted children range in age from 9 to 18, police said.
Police discovered that one of the children had been punished like that from September until Dec. 15, when authorities stepped in and removed the children from the home. The children were placed with the Department of Children and Families, police said.
The Barnes were charged with two counts of cruelty to persons, second-degree unlawful restraint and risk of injury to a minor. They are expected to appear at Superior Court in Waterbury on Friday.
Police said more charges are expected against the couple.
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