A West Virginia couple is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly locking an 11-year-old boy in a cage for hours at a time and beating him with a paddle whenever he soiled himself. Michael Edward Gibson, 44, and Angela Marie Gibson, 48, were arrested following an investigation by the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and Child Protective Services, which revealed disturbing conditions inside the family home.
Background
The investigation began when deputies responded to reports of child abuse in Harrison County, West Virginia. Upon searching the residence, law enforcement officers discovered a homemade cage structure in the boy’s bedroom, described in the criminal complaint as a "homemade bed that has four walls and a solid roof," which was fitted with a lock. The victim, whose relationship to the Gibsons was not immediately specified by police, exhibited multiple bruises at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of prolonged physical trauma.
The Charges
Michael Edward Gibson has been charged with child neglect creating substantial risk of death or injury and child abuse causing bodily injury. Angela Marie Gibson faces a charge of child neglect creating substantial risk of death or injury. According to the criminal complaint, the boy told investigators that Michael Gibson would lock him in the cage for several hours. During this confinement, the child reportedly had no access to a toilet, leading him to soil himself. The complaint alleges that Michael Gibson would then repeatedly strike the boy with a paddle as punishment for the accident, causing pain that lasted for days.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Edward Gibson, 44, and Angela Marie Gibson, 48, were arrested in Harrison County, West Virginia.
- Deputies found a locked, homemade cage in the victim's bedroom during a search of the home.
- The 11-year-old victim suffered multiple bruises at different stages of healing.
- The boy alleged he was beaten with a paddle after soiling himself due to lack of bathroom access while caged.
- Michael Gibson is held on a $300,000 bond; Angela Gibson is held on a $150,000 bond.
What's Next
Both defendants are currently incarcerated at the North Central Regional Jail. Michael Gibson was arrested on Sept. 4, and Angela Gibson was booked on Sept. 8. A court date is scheduled for Thursday to address the charges filed by the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.