Mom, grandma arrested after autistic teen found naked at grocery store with his hands bound

CERES, Calif. (TCN) — Three people were taken into custody after a naked teen bound at the wrists was found at a local grocery store.

On March 26 just before 2 p.m., the Ceres Police Department received a call about a nude male running down the street near Hatch Road and Richland Avenue. Officers arrived at the Cost Less Foods grocery store and located a 15-year-old who had been bound at the wrists. Police said there were “also indicators that he may have been bound at the ankles with multiple visible injuries.” Paramedics transported the teen to a hospital for treatment.

The Ceres Police Department said the victim’s mother, Leandra Renteria, came to the grocery store looking her son. Police also learned she had a 12-year-old daughter, so they went to the residence to conduct a check. The girl was reportedly safe, but Renteria’s home was “in poor condition.” Both the 12-year-old girl and 15-year-old victim are reportedly autistic.

After conducting an investigation into the circumstances, officers arrested Renteria, Lenore Wilson, and Gary Wilson for child abuse and neglect. The children are both in custody of Child Protective Services. KCRA-TV reports Lenore Wilson is the children’s grandmother, and Gary Wilson is her husband.

Rebecca Renard, the senior head clerk at Cost Less Foods, told KCRA the victim was “dragging a rope” by his left ankle and he was “very thin.” Store employees covered him with a jacket until police arrived.

A manager at the store, David Avila, said, “This kid is in trouble and we need to get him help. His wrists were together, and there was another rope on his ankle.”

Lt. Jeff Godfrey said Renteria’s home was filled with urine, feces, “strong odors, things that are very strong health hazards that nobody should be living in.”

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