SEALY, Texas (AP) _ A Southeast Texas woman and her husband are in a Southeast Texas jail today after authorities found a six children locked and unsupervised in tool shed behind their daycare center.
State officials said the children were surrounded by lawn equipment, gasoline and insecticide when they were found Thursday morning. That was after a child welfare inspector responded to a complaint that an illegal daycare center was being operated at the home.
The children in the shed were among 14 being cared for by the couple. They ranged in age from 3 months to 5 years. Child Protective Services spokeswoman Gwen Carter said they legally could care for only three children.
Police found the remaining children hidden in the house and at another residence next door.
Fifty-five-year-old Marietta Patek is charged with six counts of child endangerment. Her 47-year-old husband, Freddie Patek, faces an evidence tampering charge. Bond is set at $10,000 for each.
Sealy is about 45 miles west of Houston.