Columbia Couple Accused Of Locking Boy In Closet For Hours

A Columbia couple is in jail accused of repeatedly locking a nine year old boy in a closet for hours without food or water.

According to Cole County authorities 52 year old Joseph Ciaveralla and 34 year old Loretta Wilhelm, were charged with endangering the welfare of a child and abuse or neglect of a child on Saturday after an investigation by state social workers.

After the investigation 4 other children were removed from the house.

Both of the defendants are denying the allegations.