HINKLEY — A 17-year-old was allegedly held in a cage for approximately one month and another 17-year-old boy had been whipped with 5-foot long horse whip, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials.
Carrie and Lynfeld Schwarz were arrested Wednesday by a sheriff's deputy on suspicion ofr felony child cruelty and were booked into the Barstow jail, authorities said. Bail was set at $100,000 each.
Both juveniles were removed from the home by Child Services. A 17-year-old female also was removed from the home. But a sheriff's press release said there was no information to believe she is a victim of any crime.
According to authorities, a deputy conducted a follow-up for Child Family Services in the 35000 block of Riverview. The deputy discovered one of the victims had scarring on both of his arms and legs.
The other victim was kept in a cage for approximately one month, from June to July. The victim was only let out of the cage for meals and was forced to use a bucket as a restroom.
The deputy found a 4 foot-by-4 foot steel cage equipped with padlocks and a horse whip at the home, authorities said. A baby monitor was pointed directly toward the cage to alert the couple if there was movement inside.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Bennington of the Barstow Sheriff's Station at 760-256-4838. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-Tip hotline at 800-782-7463