Two parents from Highland, Utah, are facing child abandonment charges after authorities say they repeatedly locked their teenage son out of their home while they were away on multiple trips.
Allegations of Neglect and Abandonment
According to court documents, the couple left their home in June for a family reunion, allegedly instructing their teenage son to live in a tent in the backyard. Police say the boy was told to use a garden hose for water and visit a nearby McDonald’s or Walmart restroom.
Investigators with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office reported that the teen was provided minimal supplies — a box of granola bars, a six-pack of sports drinks, and $41 — which his father said was all he could spare at the time.
The parents reportedly justified their actions by citing “behavioral issues,” claiming their son wasn’t invited to the family reunion. The father told detectives he assumed the teen would “find another place to stay.”
Repeated Incidents Raise Concerns
Police documents outline at least three separate instances of the teen being locked out of the home. On July 4, he returned to find a note taped to the door instructing him not to come inside until his younger brother left for his mission. The teen’s grandfather, upon learning of the situation, confronted the parents and warned them their actions were inappropriate.
During an interview with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, the teen said his parents threatened to call police if he returned home. He also reported that his parents withheld his personal documents — including his driver’s license, bank card, and birth certificate — leaving him financially stranded.
In another incident, the family planned a trip to Goblin Valley, and when the teen expressed discomfort about going, his parents allegedly told him he would again be locked out while they were away.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say the teenager found temporary shelter with neighbors during the incidents, and in one case, he was photographed sleeping on a flatbed trailer outside the family home.
The parents now face three counts of child abandonment, a serious charge under Utah law. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to ensure the teen’s safety and determine appropriate legal consequences.
