HOUSTON, Texas — A Texas man has been arrested after authorities say he held his disabled wife captive inside their home for nearly five years, allegedly limiting her food to as little as a single egg per day.
According to investigators with the Houston Police Department, 46-year-old James Earl Johnson was taken into custody after his wife managed to call 911 using a phone he accidentally left behind in the room where she was being kept.
Police say the woman, who reportedly has a disability that limited her mobility, had been confined to a bedroom inside the couple’s home for an extended period. Authorities allege she had little to no access to communication with the outside world and depended entirely on her husband for food and care.
The case came to light when Johnson reportedly left his phone unattended in the room. Prosecutors say the woman used the opportunity to dial emergency services and tell a dispatcher that she had been trapped inside the home for years.
According to court documents, Johnson returned to the room while the call was still in progress and allegedly slapped the victim and ended the call. However, the brief call was enough for authorities to respond and begin an investigation.
Investigators say the victim told officers she had been given extremely limited food while confined. In some instances, she reportedly received only one egg per day, according to police statements.
Authorities say she was later transported to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. Details about her condition have not been publicly released, but officials say she was receiving medical care after being removed from the home.
Johnson has been charged with injury to a disabled person and abandonment or endangerment of a disabled individual, according to court records.
After his arrest, a judge reportedly set bond at $100,000. Johnson was also ordered to stay away from the victim and the residence as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing as detectives work to determine exactly how long the alleged captivity lasted and whether anyone else in the household was aware of the situation.
Officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges depending on what evidence is uncovered.
Advocates say the case highlights the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and reporting suspected neglect involving vulnerable individuals. If you suspect someone may be in danger, authorities urge people to contact local law enforcement or adult protective services.
More updates on this developing case will be posted as new information becomes available.
Video Credit: ABC13 Houston news