EL PASO, TX – Authorities in El Paso have arrested a married couple after discovering that their adopted teenage son was allegedly kept locked in his bedroom for almost his entire childhood, only permitted to leave for brief periods to eat dinner, according to police reports.
Richard Ramirez, 51, a former employee at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and his wife Nora Ramirez, 52, were each charged with unlawful restraint of a child under 17 after a welfare check led investigators to their home on the 12200 block of Tierra Mar Way on June 11. Officers had been alerted to the possibility that a 15-year-old boy was being neglected and forcibly kept inside his room by his adoptive parents.
When police arrived, they made contact with the teen, who told them he had been confined to his room since he was about five years old. He stated that he was routinely locked in, allowed out only to eat dinner, and expected to remain inside for nearly all other hours, according to authorities.
The boy described being forced to use a restroom within his bedroom or otherwise manage his needs inside the room, casting further concerns about the living conditions inside the family home. Police did not immediately clarify if the room was equipped with a functional restroom, nor did they release additional details regarding the boy’s overall health or wellbeing at the time of discovery.
Due to the severity of the claims, the case was swiftly assigned to the Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit. The investigation led to the arrest and booking of both Richard and Nora Ramirez at the El Paso County Detention Facility.
Jail records show that the couple was released after posting $100,000 bond each, less than 24 hours after their arrest. The child’s current whereabouts and condition remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.
In the wake of the charges, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Richard Ramirez was an employee, though officials did not specify his role or tenure. He was immediately placed on administrative leave upon the department learning of the allegations and later submitted his resignation.
Authorities have not elaborated on how the situation eventually came to light or whether there were any previous reports of concern at the residence. The welfare check that ultimately led to the child’s rescue was prompted by a report of possible neglect, although officials have not detailed the origin of that tip.
Both the police and child protective services are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s confinement as well as any potential impacts on his physical and mental health after years of alleged isolation.
Court proceedings are pending as the couple faces felony charges, which could carry significant penalties if they are convicted. It remains unclear if the couple has legal representation or has entered any pleas in response to the charges.