ANSON, TX – A 60-year-old woman from Jones County has been taken into custody on serious allegations that she confined her 22-year-old disabled daughter in a dog kennel, authorities reported on Wednesday. Kandy Thompson faces multiple charges including aggravated kidnapping and injury to a disabled person, following a concerning report by a neighbor that led to her arrest.
The case came to light over the weekend when a concerned citizen contacted the Anson Police after witnessing a distressing incident at Thompson’s residence. The neighbor, who managed to capture video evidence on a cellphone, reported seeing Thompson’s daughter in a clear state of duress as she was confined in a chain-link kennel covered by a tarp in the backyard.
Police say the video provided by the neighbor, a crucial piece of evidence, shows the young woman appearing extremely distressed, hyperventilating, and pleading with her mother. Her repeated cries expressing her fear were recorded, while her mother admitted to the neighbor on camera that she was locking her daughter in the kennel because of behavioral issues including property damage.
Responding quickly to the neighbor’s call, police officers arrived at the scene and discovered the victim, who indicated her confinement was not an isolated event but a frequent punishment. She expressed to the officers her diminished self-worth, a sentiment that alarmed the authorities and prompted immediate medical evaluation.
Further investigation revealed that the abusive confinements were accompanied by physical and emotional harm, leading to additional charges of child endangerment and assault against Thompson. After her initial release on bail, Thompson was re-arrested as more evidence emerged and the gravity of the allegations increased.
In a surprising twist, officials disclosed that Thompson and her late husband had previously fostered numerous children with special needs over the past ten years. However, it appears these arrangements were made through private organizations rather than direct placements from the Department of Family and Protective Services, which has no records of the couple as registered foster caregivers.
This distressing case raises numerous questions about oversight in foster care and private caregiving, prompting a broader examination by local authorities into whether there were additional victims. The authorities are continuing their investigation, looking into the possibility of other undisclosed incidents under Thompson’s care.
As of now, Thompson is being held without bond, with no specified date for her initial court appearance. The ongoing case has stirred discussions in Anson and beyond about the treatment of disabled individuals and the responsibilities of those who care for them.
The condition and future care arrangements for the victim have not yet been disclosed, but local officials emphasize that ensuring her safety and well-being is their top priority.