In Minnesota, a mother and father were sentenced to four years in prison for confining their four young children in makeshift cages at night. The parents, Benjamin Cotton, 42, and Christina Cotton, 40, justified their actions as a safety measure but later pleaded guilty to child torture. The case, which involved years of abuse, drew attention after authorities received a report about the children’s welfare in August 2022.
The report indicated that at least one child had been confined in a cage, and the mother, Christina Cotton, had a history of erratic behavior and mental illness. Authorities, including a social worker and an investigator, visited the family’s home the day after the report was filed. Christina Cotton initially allowed them inside and claimed the children were in their rooms. However, when questioned about locking the children in cages, she became upset and insisted it was for their safety.
Investigators discovered a 2-year-old locked in a playpen covered with a dog cage secured on top, making it impossible for the child to escape. The child was found wearing a soiled diaper duct-taped around their body. Nearby, a bunk bed designed for small children had wooden planks enclosing it, effectively turning it into a cage. Inside the bed were the 7- and 5-year-old children, along with a mattress, blankets, and a bowl for vomit. The confined space was so small that the children could not stand up. The room also had a wooden door with a sliding metal lock.
The parents reportedly locked the children in these conditions for approximately 13 hours each night. The eldest child, a 9-year-old, was not confined but was found with excessive bruising on the back and buttocks. Investigators noted signs of physical abuse on all four children, including bruises on their hips, legs, and buttocks. Medical professionals determined that the injuries were consistent with being struck with objects such as a belt.
The 7-year-old revealed to investigators that he was often punished by having his hands duct-taped behind his back. He described being hit with a belt by his father and with significant force by his mother. He also shared that he was required to complete daily chores, such as cleaning rugs and picking up toys, and would be beaten if he failed to do so.
The parents defended their actions, claiming the cages were necessary to prevent the children from harming themselves. Christina Cotton explained that one child had previously escaped and grabbed a kitchen knife, and she feared they might access household chemicals. She argued that if the children were not confined, they might die and held authorities responsible for any potential harm.
The 9-year-old expressed fear about speaking to investigators, saying her parents had warned her that troublemakers end up in jail. She described being taught that adults in jail live in cages and have limited food options, reflecting the conditions her parents imposed on her and her siblings.
Further investigation revealed that the children had been confined in cages at night for at least four years. A licensed psychologist determined the children had endured severe abuse and were likely to suffer long-term developmental issues. The children were placed in the custody of child protective services, and the parents were charged with multiple counts, including child torture, neglect, and malicious punishment. Most charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, leaving the couple to serve four years in prison for their crimes.
The case highlights the lasting impact of abuse on children and underscores the importance of intervention in such situations. The children, now in protective custody, face a long road to recovery as they cope with the trauma inflicted by their parents.
