PUERTO RICO – The Family Department reported this Sunday that it had assumed custody of the 15 and 26-year-old sisters, who were found locked in the bathroom of a residence in Aguada, presumably under a pattern of mistreatment.
In written statements, the secretary of the Ciení Rodríguez Troche agency explained that the intervention of the authorities with a 54-year-old woman occurred after receiving an anonymous referral a few months ago.
“During the investigative process, more than two sources assured our staff that the minor resided outside of Puerto Rico with a relative,” Rodríguez Troche said.
However, it indicated that between August 8 and 11 they received three additional referrals that contradicted the information provided by the people interviewed.
“After various efforts to corroborate the whereabouts of the minor, a confidential message was received indicating that she and her sister with a disability were locked up in their home. This is why the protocol with the Police is immediately activated to enter the property,” he added.
They were locked in the bathroom.
After almost 10 hours, agents of the Uniformed Forces managed to enter the residence on Saturday night where the female kept her two daughters in the residence under said employer. The woman and her daughters were found locked in the bathroom of the house.
As indicated by Lieutenant Noel Crespo, both the minor and the young woman are in good condition, however, he clarified that they look “quite thin.”
“What I expected was achieved, which was to find them well. The rights of these people had to be guaranteed,” said the lieutenant.
All three were taken by ambulance to an area hospital. Relatives allege that the minor has not attended school for two years.
They also indicated that they have made more than 10 referrals to the Family Department, and that the social worker who dealt with the case visited the residence several times, knocked on the door, and when there was no response, left.
At the moment, it is unknown if the Family will take custody of the minor and what will proceed with the 26-year-old girl.
