The father and stepmother of a 12-year-old boy found emaciated and abused in the basement of his Detroit home were ordered Friday to have no contact with any of their children. The boy, Charlie Bothuell, has been in the custody of his biological mother since police made the disturbing discovery last June. His father, Charles Bothuell IV, 46, also has an infant son and daughter, who were both removed from the home.
A Wayne County district judge denied Bothuell IV and his wife, Monique Dillard-Bothuell, 37, access to the children during a probable cause hearing Friday, reported NBC affiliate WDIV. The couple pleaded not guilty to torture and second-degree child abuse, and the judge lowered their individual bail to $50,000 from $500,000. If they post bail, in addition to no contact with their children, the couple must also wear a GPS tether. The younger Bothuell was discovered after his father reported him missing for 11 days, and police searching the home found him hidden behind boxes. The parents, who face life in prison, were charged last week.
IN-DEPTH
- Dad, Stepmom of Detroit Boy Found in Basement Charged With Torture
- Custody Trial Set for Charlie Bothuell, Boy Found in Detroit Basement
- Dad, Stepmom of Boy Found in Basement Pursue Parental Rights