Bismarck Couple Pleads Not Guilty To Child Abuse Charges

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Bismarck man and woman accused of locking three boys in a basement and physically abusing them have pleaded not guilty.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that 32-year-old Trevor Runningbear and 29-year-old Kacie Schaeffer are charged with felony child abuse or neglect. They both could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The two were arrested after a 9-year-old boy reported to school officials in May that his mother and her boyfriend abused him and his 3- and 6-year-old brothers, and locked them in a basement when the older boys were not in school.