• A Texas couple, Richard and Nora Ramirez, has been arrested for allegedly confining their adopted son to a locked bedroom for nearly a decade, allowing him out only for brief meals. The 15-year-old boy has been removed from the home, and the investigation is ongoing as the couple faces charges of unlawful restraint of a child.

EL PASO, TX — A Texas couple has been arrested for allegedly locking their adopted son in a bedroom for nearly a decade, only allowing him out for brief meals each day, according to authorities.

Richard Ramirez, 51, and Nora Ramirez, 52, face charges of unlawful restraint of a child under 17 after police uncovered the shocking conditions during a welfare check on June 11. The 15-year-old boy alleged he had been confined since he was 5 years old, forced to use the restroom in his locked room, according to an El Paso Police Department news release.

Welfare Check Reveals Allegations of Long-Term Abuse

Officers were called to the 12200 block of Tierra Mar Way after receiving a tip about possible child neglect. Upon arrival, they found the child, who shared a “harrowing tale of internment,” the police report stated.

“During the investigation, the victim reported that he was routinely locked in his bedroom for extended periods and was only let out briefly for dinner,” police said. “This pattern of treatment had been ongoing since he was approximately five years old.”

The room’s condition and whether it contained a functional restroom remain unclear. Authorities have not provided additional details about the living space.

Due to the severity of the allegations, the case was referred to the Crimes Against Children Unit. Their investigation led to the arrests of the Ramirezes.

Couple Arrested and Released on Bond

The couple was taken into custody shortly after the investigation began. They were booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility but were released the next day after posting $100,000 bond each, according to jail records.

Richard Ramirez, who worked for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, has since resigned. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Priscilla Contreras confirmed in a statement that Ramirez was “immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation” before submitting his resignation on Monday.

“We have been cooperating fully with the El Paso Police Department regarding their investigation,” Contreras said. “As this is an ongoing matter, no further comment will be provided at this time.”

Impact on the Community and Legal Consequences

The disturbing allegations have sent shockwaves through the El Paso community. The boy’s account of prolonged isolation and neglect is raising questions about how such conditions could go unnoticed for so many years.

Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the couple could face significant prison time. Unlawful restraint of a child is a state jail felony in Texas, carrying penalties of up to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

What’s Next for the Victim and the Case?

Authorities have not disclosed where the boy is currently staying but confirmed that he has been removed from the home. The case underscores the importance of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect to protect vulnerable individuals.

It remains unclear when the Ramirezes will appear in court. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected to follow as more evidence is gathered.

This story highlights the critical role law enforcement and community members play in identifying and addressing cases of neglect. Readers are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any signs of abuse to local authorities.

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