New charges against couple who allegedly locked 7 special-needs children in room

By Fernando Ramirez

Last year, seven special needs children were placed into foster care after Child Protective Services investigated their Richmond-area home.

Their caretakers, 54-year-old Paula Sinclair and her 78-year-old husband, Allen Richardson, were arrested on charges of kidnapping and injury to a child.

Now, as the case continues through the court system, new charges have been brought against the couple, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault causing serious harm, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

In December, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy E. Hehls called the situation "deplorable" and "hear-breaking" in a written statement.

According to details discovered by investigators, the children, who did not attend school, weren't allowed to eat if they left the room, were beaten with a broom, belt or paddle, and ate two daily meals of rice and beans.

An eighth child was under the care of Richardson and Sinclair, but died in 2011 from bronchitis and an asthma attack.