Dad & Stepmom of Detroit Boy Found in Basement, Charged With Torture

The father and stepmother of the 12-year-old Detroit boy found locked in and abused in a basement last year have been charged with one count each of torture, said prosecutors.

Detroit boy found in the basement

The boy, Charlie Bothuell, was found after his father reported him missing from their home in Detroit last June. The case received widespread media attention in quest of finding the younger Bothuell. Days after the boy was reported missing, an officer searching the home’s basement again  noticed the boy behind boxes. Prosecutors allege the parents deprived him of food and forced him to live in the basement and engage in extreme exercise.

When his son was found, the father Charles Bothuell IV said he didn’t know about his son’s location and was just as shocked authorities found him in his basement.

Charges for parents

In addition, Charles Bothuell IV, 46, and Monique Dillard-Bothuell, 37, are charged with second-degree child abuse, which carries a maximum of four years in prison. The torture charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Bothuell IV and Dillard-Bothuell are expected to be arraigned Friday afternoon, prosecutors said.