FL and OH Sullivans 1 caged 17 year old

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4267077/detail.html
17-Year-Old Found In 'Cage' Wearing Diaper
Parents Formerly Of Akron, Ohio

UPDATED: 11:42 am EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Two former Akron residents are facing serious child
abuse charges.
Wilson and Brenda Sullivan

Sheriff's officials in Jacksonville, Fla., said Wilson Sullivan, 55,
and his wife, Brenda Sullivan, 48, left their 17-year-old son wearing a
diaper and locked inside an enclosed crib "similar to a cage." The
"cage" had a chain and padlock.

SLIDESHOW: March 10: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds
Child welfare workers in Jacksonville were called to the Sullivans'
home in January. Officials said they found the boy wearing a diaper and
he also appeared developmentally delayed. He weighed 49 pounds and was
as tall as a typical 9-year-old.

Chief Steve Weintraub of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the
parents told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a criblike
cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and was
overeating at night.

The Sullivans are in a Jacksonville jail being held on a $200,000 bond
each.

Police said the Sullivans moved to Jacksonville from Ohio last October.
The 17-year-old, who had been with the couple for 10 years, and two
other foster children were immediately removed from the home.

"We were disgusted and outraged by the condition of the children at
that time," John Harrell, spokesman for the child welfare agency, said
in statement. "DCF has been working with law enforcement on this tragic
case. We are pleased to report that the children are now safe and
improving."

The 17-year-old has put on almost 30 pounds since being removed from
the home.

The teen and two adopted 10-year-olds were removed from the home.

A spokeswoman for Summit County Children Services says the county never
had custody of the children, and that the agency didn't place them in
the Sullivans' home.



http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4333644/detail.html
Couple Faces New Charges After Teen Found In Cage, Diaper
Sullivans Face Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

POSTED: 8:24 am EST March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A former Summit County couple accused of keeping their
17-year-old son locked in a cage-like bed will face stiffer charges.

A Florida judge increased Sandra and Wilson Sullivan's charges from
child neglect to aggravated child abuse, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Police found the teen locked in the bed wearing a diaper and weighing
49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The couple will be back in court next month.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4274997/detail.html
Resident Speaks Out About Teen In 'Cage' Case
Man Says Parents Didn't Abuse Boy

POSTED: 7:38 am EST March 11, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A family friend and Akron police officer spoke out in
support of a former Summit County couple accused of locking up their
17-year-old son, NewsChannel5 reported.

"The kid was born with health and medical issues," said Thomas Elton,
an Akron resident. "They needed that to keep him contained a little
bit, but he was never abused."

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan face child abuse charges in connection with
keeping their 17-year-old adoptive son in a "cage."

He was found by officials weighing 49 pounds.

The Sullivans used to live in Akron. They are accused of neglect and
abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase of the bed was approved by the Stark County Child Welfare
Department in 1995.

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he has
gained 27 pounds. If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

The Sullivans told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a
criblike cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and
was overeating at night.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4271145/detail.html
Bed Used To Cage Teen Likely Purchased Locally
Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

UPDATED: 2:22 pm EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Officials with the Stark County Child Welfare Department
believe its department may have approved the purchase of a covered bed
that was modified with locks by adoptive parents to cage a 17-year-old
boy.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase was approved in 1995.

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan used to live in Akron. They are accused of
neglect and abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Children Services office of the Stark County Job and Family
Services department in Canton allowed Brenda Sullivan, then known as
Brenda Priester, to buy the pediatric bed with a secured top.

The teen was discovered weighing 49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The Beacon reported that in 1996 Brenda Sullivan was known as Brenda
Priester. At that time, she was called a good Samaritan for raising
seven high-risk foster children, some of whom she eventually adopted.

The article quoted her as saying, "I love my kids. I keep them clean,
healthy and taken care of."

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he gained
27 pounds.

If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

Kane: Do you sympathise with these people for caging this teen?

Greegor wrote:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4267077/detail.html
17-Year-Old Found In 'Cage' Wearing Diaper
Parents Formerly Of Akron, Ohio

UPDATED: 11:42 am EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Two former Akron residents are facing serious child
abuse charges.
Wilson and Brenda Sullivan

Sheriff's officials in Jacksonville, Fla., said Wilson Sullivan, 55,
and his wife, Brenda Sullivan, 48, left their 17-year-old son wearing a
diaper and locked inside an enclosed crib "similar to a cage." The
"cage" had a chain and padlock.

SLIDESHOW: March 10: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds
Child welfare workers in Jacksonville were called to the Sullivans'
home in January. Officials said they found the boy wearing a diaper and
he also appeared developmentally delayed. He weighed 49 pounds and was
as tall as a typical 9-year-old.

Chief Steve Weintraub of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the
parents told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a criblike
cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and was
overeating at night.

The Sullivans are in a Jacksonville jail being held on a $200,000 bond
each.

Police said the Sullivans moved to Jacksonville from Ohio last October.
The 17-year-old, who had been with the couple for 10 years, and two
other foster children were immediately removed from the home.

"We were disgusted and outraged by the condition of the children at
that time," John Harrell, spokesman for the child welfare agency, said
in statement. "DCF has been working with law enforcement on this tragic
case. We are pleased to report that the children are now safe and
improving."

The 17-year-old has put on almost 30 pounds since being removed from
the home.

The teen and two adopted 10-year-olds were removed from the home.

A spokeswoman for Summit County Children Services says the county never
had custody of the children, and that the agency didn't place them in
the Sullivans' home.



http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4333644/detail.html
Couple Faces New Charges After Teen Found In Cage, Diaper
Sullivans Face Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

POSTED: 8:24 am EST March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A former Summit County couple accused of keeping their
17-year-old son locked in a cage-like bed will face stiffer charges.

A Florida judge increased Sandra and Wilson Sullivan's charges from
child neglect to aggravated child abuse, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Police found the teen locked in the bed wearing a diaper and weighing
49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The couple will be back in court next month.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4274997/detail.html
Resident Speaks Out About Teen In 'Cage' Case
Man Says Parents Didn't Abuse Boy

POSTED: 7:38 am EST March 11, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A family friend and Akron police officer spoke out in
support of a former Summit County couple accused of locking up their
17-year-old son, NewsChannel5 reported.

"The kid was born with health and medical issues," said Thomas Elton,
an Akron resident. "They needed that to keep him contained a little
bit, but he was never abused."

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan face child abuse charges in connection with
keeping their 17-year-old adoptive son in a "cage."

He was found by officials weighing 49 pounds.

The Sullivans used to live in Akron. They are accused of neglect and
abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase of the bed was approved by the Stark County Child Welfare
Department in 1995.

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he has
gained 27 pounds. If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

The Sullivans told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a
criblike cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and
was overeating at night.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4271145/detail.html
Bed Used To Cage Teen Likely Purchased Locally
Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

UPDATED: 2:22 pm EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Officials with the Stark County Child Welfare Department
believe its department may have approved the purchase of a covered bed
that was modified with locks by adoptive parents to cage a 17-year-old
boy.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase was approved in 1995.

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan used to live in Akron. They are accused of
neglect and abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Children Services office of the Stark County Job and Family
Services department in Canton allowed Brenda Sullivan, then known as
Brenda Priester, to buy the pediatric bed with a secured top.

The teen was discovered weighing 49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The Beacon reported that in 1996 Brenda Sullivan was known as Brenda
Priester. At that time, she was called a good Samaritan for raising
seven high-risk foster children, some of whom she eventually adopted.

The article quoted her as saying, "I love my kids. I keep them clean,
healthy and taken care of."

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he gained
27 pounds.

If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

How about that government FUNDING for the "enclosed bed"???
Pretty amazing isn't that?

Greegor wrote:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4267077/detail.html
17-Year-Old Found In 'Cage' Wearing Diaper
Parents Formerly Of Akron, Ohio

UPDATED: 11:42 am EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Two former Akron residents are facing serious child
abuse charges.
Wilson and Brenda Sullivan

Sheriff's officials in Jacksonville, Fla., said Wilson Sullivan, 55,
and his wife, Brenda Sullivan, 48, left their 17-year-old son wearing a
diaper and locked inside an enclosed crib "similar to a cage." The
"cage" had a chain and padlock.

SLIDESHOW: March 10: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds
Child welfare workers in Jacksonville were called to the Sullivans'
home in January. Officials said they found the boy wearing a diaper and
he also appeared developmentally delayed. He weighed 49 pounds and was
as tall as a typical 9-year-old.

Chief Steve Weintraub of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the
parents told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a criblike
cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and was
overeating at night.

The Sullivans are in a Jacksonville jail being held on a $200,000 bond
each.

Police said the Sullivans moved to Jacksonville from Ohio last October.
The 17-year-old, who had been with the couple for 10 years, and two
other foster children were immediately removed from the home.

"We were disgusted and outraged by the condition of the children at
that time," John Harrell, spokesman for the child welfare agency, said
in statement. "DCF has been working with law enforcement on this tragic
case. We are pleased to report that the children are now safe and
improving."

The 17-year-old has put on almost 30 pounds since being removed from
the home.

The teen and two adopted 10-year-olds were removed from the home.

A spokeswoman for Summit County Children Services says the county never
had custody of the children, and that the agency didn't place them in
the Sullivans' home.



http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4333644/detail.html
Couple Faces New Charges After Teen Found In Cage, Diaper
Sullivans Face Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

POSTED: 8:24 am EST March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A former Summit County couple accused of keeping their
17-year-old son locked in a cage-like bed will face stiffer charges.

A Florida judge increased Sandra and Wilson Sullivan's charges from
child neglect to aggravated child abuse, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Police found the teen locked in the bed wearing a diaper and weighing
49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The couple will be back in court next month.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4274997/detail.html
Resident Speaks Out About Teen In 'Cage' Case
Man Says Parents Didn't Abuse Boy

POSTED: 7:38 am EST March 11, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A family friend and Akron police officer spoke out in
support of a former Summit County couple accused of locking up their
17-year-old son, NewsChannel5 reported.

"The kid was born with health and medical issues," said Thomas Elton,
an Akron resident. "They needed that to keep him contained a little
bit, but he was never abused."

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan face child abuse charges in connection with
keeping their 17-year-old adoptive son in a "cage."

He was found by officials weighing 49 pounds.

The Sullivans used to live in Akron. They are accused of neglect and
abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase of the bed was approved by the Stark County Child Welfare
Department in 1995.

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he has
gained 27 pounds. If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

The Sullivans told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a
criblike cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and
was overeating at night.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4271145/detail.html
Bed Used To Cage Teen Likely Purchased Locally
Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

UPDATED: 2:22 pm EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Officials with the Stark County Child Welfare Department
believe its department may have approved the purchase of a covered bed
that was modified with locks by adoptive parents to cage a 17-year-old
boy.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase was approved in 1995.

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan used to live in Akron. They are accused of
neglect and abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Children Services office of the Stark County Job and Family
Services department in Canton allowed Brenda Sullivan, then known as
Brenda Priester, to buy the pediatric bed with a secured top.

The teen was discovered weighing 49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The Beacon reported that in 1996 Brenda Sullivan was known as Brenda
Priester. At that time, she was called a good Samaritan for raising
seven high-risk foster children, some of whom she eventually adopted.

The article quoted her as saying, "I love my kids. I keep them clean,
healthy and taken care of."

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he gained
27 pounds.

If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

Did you see the testimonial from a cop?
Or the other testimonials?


Greegor wrote:
How about that government FUNDING for the "enclosed bed"???
Pretty amazing isn't that?

Greegor wrote:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4267077/detail.html
17-Year-Old Found In 'Cage' Wearing Diaper
Parents Formerly Of Akron, Ohio

UPDATED: 11:42 am EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Two former Akron residents are facing serious child
abuse charges.
Wilson and Brenda Sullivan

Sheriff's officials in Jacksonville, Fla., said Wilson Sullivan, 55,
and his wife, Brenda Sullivan, 48, left their 17-year-old son wearing a
diaper and locked inside an enclosed crib "similar to a cage." The
"cage" had a chain and padlock.

SLIDESHOW: March 10: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds
Child welfare workers in Jacksonville were called to the Sullivans'
home in January. Officials said they found the boy wearing a diaper and
he also appeared developmentally delayed. He weighed 49 pounds and was
as tall as a typical 9-year-old.

Chief Steve Weintraub of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the
parents told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a criblike
cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and was
overeating at night.

The Sullivans are in a Jacksonville jail being held on a $200,000 bond
each.

Police said the Sullivans moved to Jacksonville from Ohio last October.
The 17-year-old, who had been with the couple for 10 years, and two
other foster children were immediately removed from the home.

"We were disgusted and outraged by the condition of the children at
that time," John Harrell, spokesman for the child welfare agency, said
in statement. "DCF has been working with law enforcement on this tragic
case. We are pleased to report that the children are now safe and
improving."

The 17-year-old has put on almost 30 pounds since being removed from
the home.

The teen and two adopted 10-year-olds were removed from the home.

A spokeswoman for Summit County Children Services says the county never
had custody of the children, and that the agency didn't place them in
the Sullivans' home.



http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4333644/detail.html
Couple Faces New Charges After Teen Found In Cage, Diaper
Sullivans Face Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

POSTED: 8:24 am EST March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A former Summit County couple accused of keeping their
17-year-old son locked in a cage-like bed will face stiffer charges.

A Florida judge increased Sandra and Wilson Sullivan's charges from
child neglect to aggravated child abuse, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Police found the teen locked in the bed wearing a diaper and weighing
49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The couple will be back in court next month.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4274997/detail.html
Resident Speaks Out About Teen In 'Cage' Case
Man Says Parents Didn't Abuse Boy

POSTED: 7:38 am EST March 11, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A family friend and Akron police officer spoke out in
support of a former Summit County couple accused of locking up their
17-year-old son, NewsChannel5 reported.

"The kid was born with health and medical issues," said Thomas Elton,
an Akron resident. "They needed that to keep him contained a little
bit, but he was never abused."

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan face child abuse charges in connection with
keeping their 17-year-old adoptive son in a "cage."

He was found by officials weighing 49 pounds.

The Sullivans used to live in Akron. They are accused of neglect and
abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase of the bed was approved by the Stark County Child Welfare
Department in 1995.

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he has
gained 27 pounds. If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

The Sullivans told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a
criblike cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and
was overeating at night.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4271145/detail.html
Bed Used To Cage Teen Likely Purchased Locally
Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

UPDATED: 2:22 pm EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Officials with the Stark County Child Welfare Department
believe its department may have approved the purchase of a covered bed
that was modified with locks by adoptive parents to cage a 17-year-old
boy.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase was approved in 1995.

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan used to live in Akron. They are accused of
neglect and abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Children Services office of the Stark County Job and Family
Services department in Canton allowed Brenda Sullivan, then known as
Brenda Priester, to buy the pediatric bed with a secured top.

The teen was discovered weighing 49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The Beacon reported that in 1996 Brenda Sullivan was known as Brenda
Priester. At that time, she was called a good Samaritan for raising
seven high-risk foster children, some of whom she eventually adopted.

The article quoted her as saying, "I love my kids. I keep them clean,
healthy and taken care of."

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he gained
27 pounds.

If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

Greegor wrote:
Did you see the testimonial from a cop?
Or the other testimonials?

Testimonial?

What an odd term to use for testimony and evidence.

A "testimonial" is usually a statement offering praise and support.

You gonna be okay, Gagg?

I did, of course read them.

What would be a proper response accoring to you, Gagg?

I've said my piece many times on ANYONY that abuses children. Have you
forgotten that you keep asking?

By the way, there was no "government funding" earmarked for making wire
cages, Gagg.

You are caught up in your delusions again.

Especially smile if you are pretending to claim that I'm pretending
to defend those that abuse. In fact you have attacked me for making it
plain I don't excuse beatings called spankings.

Can you explain your position?

0;-






Greegor wrote:
How about that government FUNDING for the "enclosed bed"???
Pretty amazing isn't that?

Greegor wrote:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4267077/detail.html
17-Year-Old Found In 'Cage' Wearing Diaper
Parents Formerly Of Akron, Ohio

UPDATED: 11:42 am EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Two former Akron residents are facing serious child
abuse charges.
Wilson and Brenda Sullivan

Sheriff's officials in Jacksonville, Fla., said Wilson Sullivan, 55,
and his wife, Brenda Sullivan, 48, left their 17-year-old son wearing a
diaper and locked inside an enclosed crib "similar to a cage." The
"cage" had a chain and padlock.

SLIDESHOW: March 10: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds
Child welfare workers in Jacksonville were called to the Sullivans'
home in January. Officials said they found the boy wearing a diaper and
he also appeared developmentally delayed. He weighed 49 pounds and was
as tall as a typical 9-year-old.

Chief Steve Weintraub of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the
parents told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a criblike
cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and was
overeating at night.

The Sullivans are in a Jacksonville jail being held on a $200,000 bond
each.

Police said the Sullivans moved to Jacksonville from Ohio last October.
The 17-year-old, who had been with the couple for 10 years, and two
other foster children were immediately removed from the home.

"We were disgusted and outraged by the condition of the children at
that time," John Harrell, spokesman for the child welfare agency, said
in statement. "DCF has been working with law enforcement on this tragic
case. We are pleased to report that the children are now safe and
improving."

The 17-year-old has put on almost 30 pounds since being removed from
the home.

The teen and two adopted 10-year-olds were removed from the home.

A spokeswoman for Summit County Children Services says the county never
had custody of the children, and that the agency didn't place them in
the Sullivans' home.



http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4333644/detail.html
Couple Faces New Charges After Teen Found In Cage, Diaper
Sullivans Face Aggravated Child Abuse Charges

POSTED: 8:24 am EST March 31, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A former Summit County couple accused of keeping their
17-year-old son locked in a cage-like bed will face stiffer charges.

A Florida judge increased Sandra and Wilson Sullivan's charges from
child neglect to aggravated child abuse, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Police found the teen locked in the bed wearing a diaper and weighing
49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The couple will be back in court next month.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4274997/detail.html
Resident Speaks Out About Teen In 'Cage' Case
Man Says Parents Didn't Abuse Boy

POSTED: 7:38 am EST March 11, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- A family friend and Akron police officer spoke out in
support of a former Summit County couple accused of locking up their
17-year-old son, NewsChannel5 reported.

"The kid was born with health and medical issues," said Thomas Elton,
an Akron resident. "They needed that to keep him contained a little
bit, but he was never abused."

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan face child abuse charges in connection with
keeping their 17-year-old adoptive son in a "cage."

He was found by officials weighing 49 pounds.

The Sullivans used to live in Akron. They are accused of neglect and
abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase of the bed was approved by the Stark County Child Welfare
Department in 1995.

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he has
gained 27 pounds. If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.

The Sullivans told investigators the boy was forced to sleep in a
criblike cage with a locked lid because he had behavioral problems and
was overeating at night.


http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4271145/detail.html
Bed Used To Cage Teen Likely Purchased Locally
Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

UPDATED: 2:22 pm EST March 10, 2005

AKRON, Ohio -- Officials with the Stark County Child Welfare Department
believe its department may have approved the purchase of a covered bed
that was modified with locks by adoptive parents to cage a 17-year-old
boy.

SLIDESHOW: Teen Found Weighing 49 Pounds

The Akron Beacon Journal, NewsChannel5's news partner, said the
purchase was approved in 1995.

Wilson and Brenda Sullivan used to live in Akron. They are accused of
neglect and abuse and are being held on a $200,000 bond each.

The Children Services office of the Stark County Job and Family
Services department in Canton allowed Brenda Sullivan, then known as
Brenda Priester, to buy the pediatric bed with a secured top.

The teen was discovered weighing 49 pounds.

The couple said the covered bed was used because the boy gorged himself
at night. Wilson Sullivan said the couple fed the boy three meals a day
plus a snack and regularly took him out in public.

The Beacon reported that in 1996 Brenda Sullivan was known as Brenda
Priester. At that time, she was called a good Samaritan for raising
seven high-risk foster children, some of whom she eventually adopted.

The article quoted her as saying, "I love my kids. I keep them clean,
healthy and taken care of."

WEWS reported that since the boy was removed from the home, he gained
27 pounds.

If convicted, the couple faces 15 years in prison.