Lowell, Ind., couple allegedly kept boy, 14, in cage

An Indiana couple has been charged with 16 felonies based on allegations by a 14-year-old boy who told police he ran away to escape severe abuse.

Tina Louise Graham and Vernon Widner of Lowell are charged with abusing her son for more than two years. The boy told police the couple had beaten him with a horsewhip and belt,and threatened him with a gun and knives.

The boyalso says the couple had confined him in a dog cage.

Graham is free on bond. Widner is being held on $70,000 bail.