Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged prolonged and severe torture of six foster children in Victorville. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced on Tuesday that Kenneth Key, 60, Tina Key, 60, and Katlynn Key, 23, were taken into custody. The alleged abuse took place at a home on Helena Drive, where the children, aged 5 to 16, were living.
The investigation began on February 13 after a tip was received via a child abuse hotline. Authorities removed the children from the home immediately. According to ABC7, the suspects are being held on $1 million bail each at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. The Sheriff’s Department’s Crimes Against Children Detail led the investigation, which revealed that some of the children may have suffered abuse for up to 10 years.
Neighbors reported rarely seeing the children outside, except when they occasionally got into the family car. One neighbor told KTLA, “These kids never came outside like normal kids. They were only allowed to go to the backyard.”
The San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, which oversees foster family programs, is under scrutiny as the investigation continues. The department’s website states that social workers regularly visit foster homes to support children’s needs. However, it remains unclear how the alleged abuse went undetected for so long.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Katie Merrill at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.
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