Former custodial dad, step bound over for child abuse charges (Detroit, Michigan)

It's not reported here, but dad CHARLIE BOTHUELL IV formerly had custody. The boy is now safe with his mother.

http://www.wxyz.com/news/key-hearing-nears-end-in-case-of-detroit-boy-in-basement

Father, stepmother of Charlie Bothuell bound over for trial on child abuse charges

Posted: 7:32 AM, Jun 24, 2015 Updated: 5:30 PM, Jun 24, 2015

DETROIT (AP MODIFIED) - The father and stepmother of Charlie Bothuell V will stand trial on second degree child abuse charges, a judge ruled today.

The Detroit boy was missing for 11 days before he was found in the family's basement a year ago.

The search for Charlie Bothuell led to an investigation of his father, also named Charlie Bothuell, and Monique Dillard-Bothuell.

Charlie says he was struck with a stick or PVC pipe if he disappointed his dad and stepmother. Charlie described his home as a "terrible place."

But defense lawyers say Charlie is lying. If he was stuck in the basement, they say he had many opportunities to leave the house during those 11 days.