RICHMOND, Texas - A man and woman are accused of locking seven children with special needs in a closet.

According to KTRK, investigators say the kids were beaten, and left dirty and hungry.

The childrens' ages ranged from 13 to 16-years-old.

"We've been told by all the children, they didn't leave the house, they didn't go to school, they didn't go to any medical facilities for treatment of any kind," Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office investigator Juile Johnson told KTRK.



54-year-old Paula Sinclair and 78-year-old Allen Richardson are charged with aggravated kidnapping and injury to a child. Sinclair reportedly adopted the children with her husband in 2003 and 2004. He has not been charged with a crime.

Authorities said once parents adopt they only visit homes where complaints are made.

KTRK reported the closet door was fitted with a deadbolt lock and the carpet was lifted, which left some metal tacks exposed.











