Custodial dad, step accused of holding 10-year-old son prisoner, torturing him (Port Charlotte, Florida)

This is one strange article--both in what is said and what is unsaid. Notice that the headline says "parents" accused of holding son prisoner. Um, no. You have to read 14 paragraphs down before you realize this is a custodial father, THOMAS ANTHONY BOONE, and a step who were torturing this child. And according to Daddy's former roommate, Daddy seemingly treated this child badly even before the step was in the picture, though this is isn't entirely clear. Of course the roommate conveniently kept his mouth shut till now.

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT: As usual, we airbrush away the history and decisionmaking that put this child in this home. For better or for worse, babies are born to their mothers through an act of nature. Unless this mother is dead, it usually takes a deliberate act of the courts for the child to be placed with a custodial dad and step. Any judge want to take credit for this brilliant decision? Not seeing any hands go up, folks. And of course, the media collaborates in the invisible mother act all the time. It's as if they still believe that babies are found in cabbage patches and not born to real human women and mothers. Babies who are then taken away from said mothers and deliberately placed in situations like this one.

http://www.abc-7.com/Global/story.asp?S=12680861

Parents accused of holding son prisoner in home
Posted: Jun 21, 2010 5:46 AM CDT
Updated: June 21, 2010 06:46 AM EDT

PORT CHARLOTTE: The parents of a 10-year-old boy who was reported missing in Charlotte County Saturday are facing child abuse charges after deputies say the child was tortured and held prisoner in his bedroom for six months.

Thomas Anthony Boone, 38, and Kimberly Sue Boone, 39, both of 754 Seabold Ave., Port Charlotte, are each charged with three counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities began looking for the boy around 11 a.m. Saturday after Thomas called the Sherrif's Office to report the child missing.

After a five-hour search involving deputies, K9 units and a Sheriff's Office helicopter, a Crime Scene technician found the child sleeping inside a cabinet under a master bathroom sink, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

The boy told investigators he came out of his room looking for food and then hid from his parents.

Deputies said he appeared scared, malnourished and tired.

According to the report, authorities found deplorable conditions inside his bedroom.

"It was bare with no rug on the floor, no toys in the room, no clothing or lights. The only thing in the room was a box spring and mattress that smelled of urine," the report said.

Detectives said there were several areas on the floor where they could see human feces and puddles of urine.

"The door handle to the boys room was reversed, and the lock was facing into the hallway; a latch to secure the door was on the hallway side of the door," the report said.

The boy told detectives since December 2009 he had been locked in his room most of the time, and was only allowed a small drink of water and peanut butter sandwiches.

"[The boy] was only allowed to come out when he went to school or the family went away," the report said.

"The child was locked in his bedroom and due to this, urinated and defecated on the floor in his room and bed. The child was made to sleep in the urine soaked bed and as a punishment had his face rubbed in the urine and feces."

The boy also said he was very afraid of his step mother, Kimberly, who married his father last year, according to the report.

Dan Fulks used to live with Thomas Boone. He says he was nearly sick when he heard the allegations against his former roommate.

"I think it's disgusting that some one would do that to their kid," said Fulks.

Fulks said when they all lived together in Cape Coral, Boone rarely fed his son or allowed him out of his room.

Fulks also said the boy was never allowed to roam freely around the house or play outside.

Once found, the child was taken to Peace River Regional Medical Center and released after getting a shower and food.

Deputies said he then met with detectives, the CCSO Forensic Child Interviewer, and representatives of the Department of Children & Families.

After the interview DCF took the boy into custody, the report said.

Thomas and Kimberly Boone were arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

Both posted $15,000 bonds and were released.