Investigators: Connecticut couple forced children to live in bathroom for days

WATERTOWN, Connecticut (WABC) -- A Connecticut couple is being accused of child abuse for allegedly using a bathroom like a prison cell.

George and Nancie Barnes of Watertown were released after their arrest. Their four children and one child who they were guardian for were taken by Child Protective Services.

Investigators say the couple forced the children to remain in a bathroom for days, only leaving for school and sleeping.

"The form of punishment was they were to stand in the bathroom and read books," said Detective Mark Conway.

The parents had a baby monitor system set up, so they could see what they were doing in the bathroom.

Police say one child had been held from sometime in September until mid-December under those conditions.