Couple Accused Of Repeatedly Locking Children In Horse Stall

GREENTOWN, Ind. -- A Howard County man and his wife face neglect charges on suspicions they repeatedly locked two of three adopted children in a horse stall, officials said.

Jay Moody, 47, and Teresa Moody, 45, were arrested Thursday after a three-month investigation.

Police said the horse stall had been retrofitted with wire cage material to keep the children -- a 13-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy -- inside as a form of punishment.

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Slideshow: Couple Accused Of Locking Children In Horse Stall
Video: Two Face Neglect Charges

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Officials said the children had to sit on an unhygienic, hard mat within the stall, sometimes during cool, harsh weather.

"There was no hay, it was not carpeted, it was not warm," Howard County Deputy Prosecutor Mark McCann said Friday. "It was not just a simple timeout, as we would think of it today. It was a little more serious."

Police said the Moodys also subjected the children to other unconventional forms of punishment, such as withholding food for extended periods as punishment for failing to complete chores.

An investigation began after school officials reported noticing signs of neglect to child protective services, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Officials said the Moodys were foster parents before they adopted the children.

Jay and Teresa Moody were released from jail after posting $5,000 bond each. An initial court hearing is scheduled for April 12.

The children have been removed from the home.

6News' attempts to reach the Moodys and their attorney for comment were unsuccessful.