Local couple accused of locking 9-year-old in closet on multiple occasions

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Unity Township couple is facing charges after police said they locked their 9-year-old son in a closet on multiple occasions.

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The boy told police his parents – identified as Shawn and Tammy Jo Waulk – would use a cord or push the bed against the door to keep him inside the very small space. Police said the couple used it as a form of punishment.

Below are pictures provided by Pennsylvania State Police showing the closet and room outside it:

Police said the last time it happened, the couple drilled the door shut and left to take their other two children to a birthday party.

According to investigators, the boy was punished for escaping the locked closet in the past. All three children in the home were taken and placed in an emergency foster home.

Both Shawn and Tammy Jo Waulk are facing charges of false imprisonment and child endangerment.

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