Dad’s Brutal Act: Sentenced Up to 40 Years for Confining Son in ‘Home Office’

A Florida father has been convicted of child abuse charges after being accused of locking his adopted son in a makeshift room in his garage. The jury found Tim Ferriter guilty of aggravated child abuse, false imprisonment, and neglect of a child following a weeklong trial. According to NBC News, the boy was allegedly locked in the 8-by-8-foot structure for up to 18 hours as a form of punishment. Ferriter, who claimed frustration over his son’s disobedience, could potentially face up to 40 years in state prison. As the verdict was read, Ferriter’s wife Tracy, who was sitting behind him, showed signs of emotion. She will face charges in a separate trial, for which a date has not yet been set.

Feb 15, 2022 12:58 PM CST

A deeply disturbing case of alleged child abuse has come to light in Florida, where a couple stands accused of forcing their 14-year-old son to spend most of his time locked in an 8-by-8 “office” in their garage. Timothy and Tracy Ferriter, both 46, from Jupiter, have been charged with aggravated child abuse and false imprisonment. They have been released on $50,000 bonds. WPBF reports that all four of their children, including the adopted 14-year-old, who reportedly endured the majority of the abuse, are now under the care of child services. CBS12 provides additional details on the case.

• Locked in: On January 30, police were called to the Ferriter family’s home after Tracy Ferriter reported her son as a runaway. During their investigation, authorities discovered an 8-by-8 structure in the garage, equipped with a small box spring and mattress, a security camera, and an orange bucket for bathroom use. The structure had a lock, but only on the outside, preventing anyone inside from leaving, as reported by The Washington Post.