Ankeny couple charged with endangerment of adopted child

Ankeny police say a couple locked their adopted child in their room, refused to give them food, and left them out in the cold.

Matthew and Sarah Stephens are both charged with child endangerment and neglect.

According to a criminal complaint, the allegations span four years.

Investigators said the couple regularly forced the now-13-year-old to go without dinner and would make them stand outside for hours. Documents state they would watch the child through a hidden camera, and put alarms on the door to keep them from leaving. The two are also accused of withholding proper hygiene and clean clothes, forcing the child to ask for showers at school.

Documents show Sarah Stephens abandoned the teen at a hospital in November.

Investigators said the two have other children, but they were not subject to the alleged abuse.

Sarah Stephens is currently employed as an associate with the Ankeny School District.

She has been on administrative leave since last year. The district says it's "following all policies" to protect the safety and rights of those involved.