TOLEDO, Ohio -- A boy was locked up in a small dog cage when he was being punished and while his father used drugs, and he sometimes had to wear a shock collar, authorities said. His parents appeared briefly in court Thursday on charges of child endangerment and making or selling drugs in front of the boy, 10, and his 5-year-old brother. Jessica Botzko, 28, and John Westover, 37, were arrested Wednesday, a day after the boys were left alone at home and ran away. They were found on a neighbor's porch The older boy told officers that he left because he was tired of being locked up, police said. The cage was less than 2 feet high and 2 feet wide, and had a chain across the top with two locks on each end, he said. "He had to tuck his knees into his chest, and he fell asleep in there on a couple occasions," Carroll said. "It wasn't continuous. It was probably on and off for punishment." Court documents say the 10-year-old boy was repeatedly shocked at the family's home through a remote-controlled collar meant as a training device for animals. Police searched the family's mobile home and found it filled with garbage, Carroll said. It was not yet clear whether his brother was caged, Carroll said. The boys were in state custody. The parents' hearings were continued because neither had a lawyer. They remained in jail. Authorities said Westover had an extensive criminal record and was wanted on a child endangering charge in suburban Toledo.
I'm telling you, I just don't get people. I'm glad I DON'T get that type of people, because, then I'd worry myself. Sick, sick, people. I agree with Jason....shock the bastards!!
OMG.. After reading this, I ran upstairs and kissed my sleeping 10 year old boy with tears running down my face. I just don't get it.. I just don't get it....
EYE FOR AN EYE. Sad thing is, if they go to jail their cage will be a lot bigger and a lot more comfortable than the one they put their little boy in!!! NOT FAIR! Bastards!
I agree. They will probably have to put these folks in protective custody behind bars though. Folks who have worked in corrections will tell you that people who commit crimes against children are the lowest of life forms in penal institutions. Even rapists and murderers rank higher than people like these two. I suspect that their jail/prison sentences won't be the only "justice" rendered.
