Maryland Mother and Boyfriend Charged After Child Allegedly Confined in Closet for Approximately One Year
July 22, 2026
The Case of: Undisclosed Victims, ages 11, 8, 4, 1, and 7 months
Suspects: James Earl Stone and Kaylynn Nicole Moore
St. Mary’s County, MD – St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the home after receiving a report that a child was being confined inside a locked closet. Following an investigation into allegations of severe child abuse and neglect, Kaylynn Nicole Moore, 28, and her boyfriend James Earl Stone, 27, were arrested.
When deputies entered the residence, they described the home as being in “disarray” with what investigators characterized as hazardous living conditions. According to charging documents, the residence contained large amounts of refuse, food wrappers, soiled diapers, animal and rodent feces, and a widespread insect infestation.
One responding deputy wrote:
“I observed the walls were painted black. I couldn’t see the floor due to the amount of refuse, food wrappers, dirty diapers and feces…”
Investigators reported finding a 4-year-old boy inside a bedroom closet. According to charging documents, the child was unclothed and lying among debris and trash. The closet door had been secured with a bungee cord, preventing him from leaving on his own.
Deputies stated there was no accessible food or water inside the closet. Although the closet contained a light fixture, investigators reported it did not appear to be functioning.
According to police, Kaylynn Nicole Moore admitted she had confined her son in the closet for approximately one year and stated he remained there for as long as 12 hours at a time, including overnight.
Charging documents state that Moore told investigators the child had developmental disabilities and a history of leaving the home without supervision. She reportedly stated:
“…he stays in the closet overnight and is removed during the day when he knocks on the door calls for them.”
Investigators also reported that Moore acknowledged the home’s conditions were “so hazardous,” describing the presence of rodents, rodent droppings, and cockroaches throughout the residence.
According to charging documents, James Earl Stone admitted he had used the bungee cord to secure the closet door for approximately three months. He reportedly told investigators that the bedroom contained exposed electrical wiring and a broken window, which he believed made the room unsafe for the child.
Four additional children, ages 11, 8, 1, and 7 months, were also living in the residence when deputies conducted the investigation.
The 4-year-old received a medical evaluation at the scene. Authorities stated the remaining children did not require immediate medical treatment.
ALisa Casas, Public Information Officer for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, said the report prompted an immediate law enforcement response.
“We received a call through our emergency center reporting child abuse and that a child was being held locked in a closet. That call obviously spurred an immediate response from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.”
She added:
“Many of our deputies and first responders are parents, so seeing this from a parent perspective, you can imagine what’s going through their mind as they go home at the end of a shift, and they are tucking their own children into bed.”
Casas also confirmed:
“The child who was located in the closet received medical attention at the scene. He was checked out. I can’t delve any more into that for privacy regulations. We also don’t talk about juveniles and their personal care. The other children did not require medical attention.”
Charges against Kaylynn Nicole Moore:
- Felony Second-Degree Child Abuse
- Seven counts of Misdemeanor Neglect of a Minor
Charges against James Earl Stone:
- Felony Second-Degree Child Abuse
- Seven counts of Misdemeanor Neglect of a Minor
We will update this case as new details become available.
