Joanna and Shawn Blackstone of Middletown in court - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Middletown couple in court after locking child in basement

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Joanna and Shawn Blackston (Source: Middletown Police) Joanna and Shawn Blackston (Source: Middletown Police)
(Source: Middletown Police) (Source: Middletown Police)
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MIDDLETOWN, OH (FOX19) - -

Bond was set at $25,000 for a Middletown couple who allegedly locked a child in an unfinished basement.

Joanna and Shawn Blackston had a preliminary hearings at the Middletown Municipal Court after they were arrested earlier this month on reports that a child had been regularly locked in their unfinished basement.

Police were first called to 1606 Philadelphia Avenue on July 3, where a child was reportedly confined to the basement on numerous occasions.

Butler County Children Services was already on scene investigating the welfare of the child when Middletown police were called for assistance.

According to Police, both Joanna and Shawn have been charged with kidnapping and child endangering.

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