Edwardsville couple accused of handcuffing teen daughter

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

EDWARDSVILLE — An Edwardsville couple is accused of using plastic zip ties to restrain their 14-year-old daughter as an apparent disciplinary tool.

A Madison County grand jury indicted 51-year-old Stephen Rhoten and 48-year-old Kathy Rhoten on unlawful restraint charges Thursday.

Edwardsville police investigator Dennis Gunderson says the couple tied up the girl on several occasions this year with the plastic cuffs.

Gunderson contends that the Rhotens at one point tied the girl to a couch and another time to her father’s arm.

The girl wasn’t injured. She’s in the custody of state child-protection officials.

The Rhotens didn’t return a message seeking comment.