Carthage woman charged after toddler allegedly found confined in urine-smelling closet

A Carthage-area woman is facing a new felony child abuse and neglect charge after authorities say a 4-year-old boy was found confined inside a urine-smelling closet in an unsanitary home.

Saybra A. Martin is charged with abuse or neglect of a child. She is being held on a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

According to a probable cause statement, Jasper County sheriff’s deputies were called Saturday, Aug. 15, to a home on County Road 178 after a Missouri Children’s Division worker found the boy confined in a closet.

Investigators said Martin, identified as the child’s stepmother, told authorities the boy had been kept there for about three hours because of behavioral issues and because he had been hitting his siblings.

Deputies described the home as extremely unsanitary, with trash, a strong foul odor, cockroach activity and spoiled food.

The closet was about 4 feet by 10 feet. Investigators said a child safety gate and dresser blocked the opening, preventing the boy from leaving without help.

Inside were a portable toilet and couch cushions surrounded by flies, according to the probable cause statement.

Deputies also reported bruising and a cut on the boy’s face and said inconsistent explanations were given about the injuries.

Three other children, ages 10, 3 and 11 months, were also found in the home.

All four were removed over safety concerns.

Martin has previously faced separate allegations involving the care of children.

She has pleaded not guilty in the latest case.

The allegations have not been proven in court.