CCSO: Couple charged, locked child in storage trunk

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — An Elizabethton couple who allegedly locked a 7-year-old, non-verbal autistic child into a storage trunk has been charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect and with child endangerment.

According to a Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) news release, authorities were searching the home of Mikki and Sean Moody on an unrelated case when they learned of the alleged abuse and endangerment against the child.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) visited the 311 Blevins Hollow Road home Thursday, assisted by CCSO personnel. TBI executed a search warrant based on a separate case, before serving a warrant charging Sean Moody with abuse of a vulnerable adult .

Friday’s release states that investigators “made contact” with both Moodys and the 7-year-old when they arrived Thursday. CCSO Investigator Preston White reported that a search of the residence revealed unsanitary living conditions, with exposed wiring at multiple wall outlets and animal and human feces on the floor.

That initial investigation also led officers to a brown storage trunk in the living room.

“The trunk contained urine-soaked blankets, a pillow, half-eaten pizza and clothing that contained a substance consistent with blood,” White said in the news release. The release said investigators learned the child would be locked in the storage trunk with food.

After notifying the Department of Children’s Services about their findings, officers obtained warrants charging both Moodys with the abuse, neglect and endangerment counts.

Both were booked into the Carter County Detention Center Thursday. Mikki Moody was released after posting a $75,000 bond.

The investigation continues. Carter County Circuit Court Clerk Johnny Blankenship said the couple should be arraigned Monday.

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