More details are emerging out of Dubois County where a couple is charged after allegedly keeping their daughter in a cage in a closet during overnight hours and possibly other extended periods of time.
The Dubois County Free Press reports that Police were called to a home on Wednesday at Dubois County Road 700-South at Huntingburg due to what was described as an unruly child. During conversations with the teen girl who was also described by the caller as “mentally retarded”, the girl told police her grandfather had become angry with her while she was bouncing a ball in the house. He took the ball and wouldn’t give it back and a scuffle ensued.
Circumstances in the case resulted in a search warrant and a 4 by 8 cage was found in a closet with the girls name on it. There was a mattress and a pan in the cage for bathroom use. 57-year-old Alan Friz, the father, was taken into custody. Friz said the girl was put in the cage due to fear she would cause harm to others in the home.
During the course of events involving interviews and contact with the Department of Child Services, 36 year old Amie Friz, the mother, reportedly left the home with other children. According to the newspaper she went to St. Louis and was contacted and ordered to bring the children back. She was seen outside the Dubois County courthouse Thursday as Mr. Friz was making a court appearance and was arrested. Both are charged with Criminal Confinement and Neglect and were denied bail. They are due in court on Monday when formal charges are expected to be filed.
A third person was arrested in the incident when he came to the residence during the Wednesday investigation. 24-year-old Kenneth Le Fevre said he rented a room at the home. Reports say he became disruptive, was asked to leave, refused and was arrested and charged with with Resisting Law Enforcement.