SAN ANTONIO, TX — A San Antonio man and his partner are facing serious charges after authorities say two young children were handcuffed to their beds and subjected to abusive punishments during a weekend visit.
David Gonzales, 30, was arrested on Saturday, charged with injury to a child with intended bodily injury and unlawful restraint of a minor under 17, according to Bexar County Jail records. Anita Elizabeth Valdez, 31, was arrested earlier on September 1 and charged with injury to a child and two counts of unlawful restraint.
According to an arrest affidavit, the case began when the mother of the children contacted authorities after her 7-year-old daughter disclosed that both she and her 6-year-old sibling were handcuffed to bunk beds during their weekend stay with their father and stepmother. The girl complained of pain, and officers noted visible redness on her wrists.
Gonzales allegedly admitted to the handcuffing during a phone call with the children’s mother, but later denied it to authorities. Valdez also denied the abuse but admitted to owning the handcuffs, reportedly purchased from Spirit Halloween. She further confessed to handcuffing the 6-year-old nightly, citing mental health and behavioral issues.
During a search of the home, investigators discovered three sets of handcuffs and a ratchet strap attached to the children’s beds. Two other juveniles living in the home confirmed that the children were frequently restrained overnight.
The affidavit also states that the children reported being forced to eat hot chili peppers, allowed only one meal per day, hit with belts, and given sleep-inducing gummies as punishment.
Gonzales has since bonded out of jail. As of now, no formal charges have been filed against Valdez, though she remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
