Police Say Ohio Man Locked Up & Abused Family for 15 Years

Police were called to the home of Jeffrey York of Madison, Ohio, in December about a sex offense.  It was only then that they learned of the years of abuse that York's wife and seven children suffered at his hands, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.  

Officers called to the home were asked to make an official report of the crime, but also to help York's wife and the children leave.   Investigators say that in the months since, family members began telling them of mental and physical abuse, and of being cut off from society.  They described living in an environment where they were afraid to do anything about the abuse. These allegations led to an indictment of York on charges including five instances of gross sexual imposition, two instances of rape involving a female under the age of 13, six counts of child endangering, five counts of domestic violence, and one count of aggrevated menacing.

Police say that all of the children - aged three months to nineteen-years-old, were homeschooled and had no real friends. York's family said that he cut them off from contact with other relatives, indicating that his intimidation kept them from defying him.  According to police, one of York's daughters was also forced to stay in a bedroom no larger than a closet, a sort of room within a room.  Detective Dan Boerner said:

"Imagine an 8x10 bedroom being cut down into thirds with two-thirds being storage, one-third being made available for living space. This went on for a year where this child was locked in the room, periodically let out to use the restroom, but in general, meals were brought to this child, access to clothing the restroom and everything was restricted by Mr. York." 

After leaving the house in December, York's wife and family were taken to a women's shelter.  Since then, investigators say that the children have been attending traditional schools and are adjusting well to their new lives.

York was arrested on the secret indictment and was imprisoned on Saturday with a $250,000 bond with conditions that he not have any contact with any of the victims and would be subject to GPS monitoring. He plead not guilty to all charges.

Detectives involved with the case say that it is one of the most disturbing cases they have ever investigated, however, they refused to answer many questions about the investigation.