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West Virginia woman accused of locking kids in boxes

Posted at 8:54 AM, May 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-09 08:54:04-04

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia woman has been arrested after authorities say they found her children in enclosures similar to kennels.

The Charleston-Gazette Mail reports (http://bit.ly/2qX3uWU) 33-year-old Kristal Richard of Kanawha County is accused of locking 2- and 5-year-old boys in boxes made of tarp, plywood and mesh.

According to a criminal complaint, officers conducted a welfare check after receiving an anonymous tip. Troopers say they found the children naked in feces- and urine-ridden boxes.

Authorities say Richard admitted to placing the children in the box, and locking them in there for most of the day. The report states the children were placed with other family members.

Richard was charged with two counts of child neglect Monday. It's unclear if she has an attorney.

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Information from: The Charleston Gazette-Mail, http://wvgazettemail.com.