Shocking Discovery: Virginia Mother and Boyfriend Face Charges After Chaining Boys to Post

A Virginia mother, Wendi Del Cid Rodriguez, and her apparent boyfriend, Franklin Viera Guevara, have been arrested on multiple charges after two young boys were found chained to a post by their ankles inside their home. The incident came to light when one of the boys sent a photo of his chained ankle to his sister, who contacted authorities.

In a disturbing incident, a Virginia mother and her apparent boyfriend have been arrested on multiple charges after two young boys were found chained to a post by their ankles inside their home. The shocking discovery was made by Fairfax County Police on August 15th, after responding to a report of alleged child neglect.

Upon arriving at the apartment on the 6700 block of Tower Drive in Groveton, Virginia, officers heard chains rattling inside when they knocked on the door. When the door was opened, officers observed a chain wrapped around a post next to a sleeping cot and the two boys chained up at their ankles.

Shocking Discovery: Virginia Mother and Boyfriend Face Charges After Chaining Boys to Post

The responding officers reported that the boys, ages nine and seven, had visible marks on their ankles that were consistent with the shape and size of the chains. Rodriguez and Guevara, who were present at the time, told investigators that they would chain the boys by the ankle for short periods of time to "scare them" so they would not leave the home.

However, one of the boys had used a roommate's cellphone to take a picture of his chained ankle and sent it to their sister. The sister, concerned about her brothers' well-being, called 911, leading to the police's investigation.

Shocking Discovery: Virginia Mother and Boyfriend Face Charges After Chaining Boys to Post

The roommate, who wished to remain anonymous, told police that the boys were often left unsupervised and restrained when the suspects were not home. This raised concerns about their safety and well-being.

Rodriguez and Guevara were arrested on two counts of child neglect, two counts of child cruelty, and two counts of abduction. Rodriguez was released on bond and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 2nd. Guevara, on the other hand, remains in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond and has a bond hearing scheduled for Wednesday and a competency hearing next month.

Shocking Discovery: Virginia Mother and Boyfriend Face Charges After Chaining Boys to Post

The charges against Rodriguez and Guevara are serious and carry significant penalties if convicted. Child neglect and child cruelty are felonies in Virginia, punishable by up to ten years in prison. Abduction is also a felony, punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind chaining the boys is still unknown. However, this incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about the safety and well-being of children in the care of adults. It is crucial that any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect are reported to authorities to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.

Shocking Discovery: Virginia Mother and Boyfriend Face Charges After Chaining Boys to Post