Couple in Jupiter arrested for aggravated child abuse after adopted son forced to live in a garage
Jupiter, Fl (treasurecoast.com)- A couple in Jupiter were arrested for aggravated child abuse after adopted son forced to live in a garage.
On January 30, 2022, detectives responded to a residence in the Egret Landing community regarding a follow-up to a 13 year-old missing runaway investigation. Detectives made contact with the mother, Tracy Ferriter at the residence who allowed one detective into the home. While the detective was in the residence, he noticed an 8×8 structure within the garage that was described by the mother as a small office.
The structure had a doorknob and deadbolt, both locking from the outside as well as a light switch only on the exterior. Within the structure was a camera, mattress, and a bucket. Ferriter explained the structure was utilized as an office or for storage space.
On January 31, 2022, detectives located the missing runaway at school and were able to conduct interviews with the juvenile.
As the ongoing investigation continued and numerous interviews conducted, it was determined the 13 year-old has been physically abused and forcibly confined to live within the garage structure by his adopted parents (Tracy Ferriter and Timothy Ferriter) since at least 2017. The juvenile was able to attend school; however, was confined to the structure during the remainder of the day. Meals were brought to the child and the bucket was provided for bathroom use.
Both Tracy and Timothy Ferriter have been arrested for aggravated child abuse and have been transported to the Palm Beach County Jail. The other three children living in the home have been removed by Child Protective Services.
This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when it becomes available.
