2 arrested after allegedly locking autistic child in storage trunk with urine-soaked blankets

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (TCN) -- During a separate adult abuse investigation, authorities learned a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman allegedly locked a nonverbal child in a storage trunk in an unsanitary home.

The investigation first began on Aug. 7, after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) discovered Sean Moody allegedly abused his developmentally disabled sister, for whom he served as a caregiver. On Aug. 15, the TBI obtained an arrest warrant charging Moody with abuse of a vulnerable adult.

That same day, officials with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office worked with the TBI to execute a search warrant at Sean Moody and Mikki Moody’s home on Blevins Hollow Road. According to deputies, investigators found out a 7-year-old autistic child lived in the home.

Sheriff’s office investigator Preston White called the living conditions of the residence "unsanitary." White said, "Multiple electrical wall outlets contained exposed wiring," and officials found animal and human feces on the floor.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators also discovered a brown-colored storage trunk in the living room containing urine-soaked blankets, a pillow, half-eaten pizza, and clothes with apparent blood.

Authorities learned Mikki Moody and Sean Moody would allegedly lock the 7-year-old child in the storage trunk with food. The sheriff’s office did not specify the suspects’ relationship with the juvenile victim.

Mikki Moody and Sean Moody face charges of aggravated child abuse, neglect, and child endangerment in addition to Sean Moody’s adult abuse charge. The pair were booked into the Carter County Detention Center. Mikki Moody was released after posting $75,000 bond, and Sean Moody remains in custody, records show.