A Tennessee mother and her boyfriend are facing criminal charges after deputies allege they forced a vulnerable 18-year-old with autism to live in a backyard shed without running water, electricity, or a bathroom for months. Authorities say the couple viewed the harsh living conditions as a necessary incentive to push the young man into finding employment.
Background
The Cheatham County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence after the victim called for help, according to Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN. The teenager reported that he had been living in the shed behind the home since February, shortly after turning 18. Investigators stated that Amanda Sewell, 38, allegedly cut off the electricity to the structure, leaving the teen without a fan or air conditioning during days when temperatures outside reached 93 degrees. There were reportedly periods where he had no power at all.
The conditions inside the shed were described as deplorable. Deputies said the victim was fed through a window and forced to drink water from a garden hose. He had to use a bag as a toilet, and he was transported to a hospital on one occasion due to severe dehydration. When officers searched the structure, they found trash and very little bedding. Sewell allegedly told investigators that she removed the doorknobs from the back doors of the main house and forbade her son from entering the residence whenever her boyfriend, Brandon Cox, was present.
The Charges
Amanda Sewell and Brandon Cox, 33, have each been charged with caregiver neglect of a vulnerable adult, according to Cheatham County court records reviewed by Law&Crime. The case was formally opened in Cheatham County. Both defendants were booked in the Cheatham County Jail and have since bonded out. The charges stem from allegations that the couple failed to provide adequate care and living conditions for the autistic teenager, effectively isolating him from the household and basic necessities.
Key Takeaways
- Amanda Sewell and Brandon Cox are charged with caregiver neglect of a vulnerable adult in Cheatham County.
- The victim, an 18-year-old with autism, allegedly lived in a shed from February onward without electricity, running water, or a bathroom.
- Deputies reported the teen was fed through a window, drank from a hose, and used a bag as a toilet.
- The victim was hospitalized for dehydration and removed from the residence by law enforcement to a safe location.
- Sewell allegedly claimed the lack of utilities was an 'incentive' for her son to find a job.
What's Next
The case is currently pending in Cheatham County court. Both defendants have been released on bond and are awaiting further legal proceedings regarding the caregiver neglect charges.