A Tucson couple accused of locking their grandson in a closet rigged with an alert system for nine months have entered a plea agreement in which they could receive probation.
Becky Tortellet, 52, and Larry Tortellet, 54, each pleaded guilty to child abuse and will be sentenced by Pima County Superior Court Judge Howard Hantman Jan. 3, said Deputy Pima County Attorney Carolyn Nedder.
Becky Tortellet admitted to locking the 9-year-old in the closet; Larry Tortellet admitted to allowing the child to be locked in the closet despite knowing it was emotionally unhealthy.
Defense attorneys Eric Larsen and Sam Washington said that while both defendants could be placed on probation, Becky Tortellet could receive up to 3.75 years in prison and her husband is facing a maximum prison sentence of two years.
The couple was arrested in September 2008.
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The couple had been taking care of the boy and his younger brother since they were born, according to Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials.
In August 2008, Becky Tortellet took the 9-year-old to a local behavior health center for help and employees there called CPS when the boy told him his bedroom was a closet. They also learned he was only 48 pounds and couldn’t read or write, but his brother appeared to be normal and attended public school.
The closet measured 49 inches deep and 41 inches wide. There was carpet, a sleeping bag and a sheet inside.
