A Texas couple, Richard and Nora Ramirez, both in their early 50s, have been arrested and charged with unlawful restraint of a minor. The couple is accused of confining their 15-year-old adopted son to his bedroom for nearly a decade, only allowing him brief periods of freedom to eat dinner each day.
The El Paso Police Department responded to a welfare check request on June 11, 2025, following reports of child neglect at a residence on Tierra Mar Way. The report indicated that a 15-year-old boy was allegedly being neglected and confined by his adoptive parents.
Upon arrival, first responders made contact with the boy, who shared a distressing account of his life under the care of his adoptive parents. The boy reported that he had been regularly locked in his bedroom for extended periods, forced to use the restroom within his room. He was only allowed out of his room for dinner and was immediately returned to his room afterward. According to the boy, this pattern of treatment had been ongoing since he was approximately five years old.
The El Paso Police Department has not provided additional details regarding the living conditions within the boy’s room. Due to the severity of the allegations, the case was referred to the department’s Crimes Against Children Unit for further investigation.
The investigation led to the arrest of Richard and Nora Ramirez. The couple was processed at the El Paso County Detention Facility. Both were released a day later after posting a $100,000 bond.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Richard Ramirez was an employee with their office. However, the details of his position have not been released. Following the allegations, Ramirez was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. He has since submitted his resignation.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Priscilla Contreras, confirmed their full cooperation with the El Paso Police Department’s investigation. As the case is ongoing, no further comments have been provided. The court appearance date for the couple has not been disclosed.