By Jim Hannah
Enquirer staff writer

COVINGTON - A mother and father are accused of locking up their mentally disabled 7-year-old in a dog cage overnight without food or water.

Investigators said they went to the couple's business, Joe's Grooming Center at 311 E. 17th St., Friday afternoon to investigate an anonymous complaint and found the couple's five children locked in a room behind a solid wooden gate.

Social-service workers said some of the children told them the 7-year-old was sometimes put in a dog's cage for "punishment," according to court records.

Investigators said the circumstances were unclear.

The children's father, Christopher Dugan, and their mother, Khrisstofor Dugan, were arraigned Tuesday in Kenton County District Court on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor.

The misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.

Social workers also removed the five children from the couple's home.

"I don't really know what to say," said Christopher Dugan, 38.

"We have not had a chance to retain counsel. I can't say anything until I retain counsel."

He and his wife were released from the Kenton County jail Friday after each posted 10 percent of a $1,000 bond.

"Just when you thought you heard it all, another one comes down the pike," said Kenton County Chief Prosecutor Ken Easterling.

"It is obviously very serious allegations. Our office will attempt to put the couple in jail for their conduct."

Joel Griffith, with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said Tuesday that he did not know the details of the case and couldn't comment.

Investigators said they went to the grooming shop Friday after receiving a complaint that the 7-year-old was sometimes kept there in a dog cage.

The Dugans live in the 1700 block of Garrard Street but operate the grooming business on East 17th Street.

The police report lists Khrisstofor Dugan's occupation as self-employed dog groomer.

Court records did not indicate any prior allegations of child neglect.

A preliminary hearing in the child endangerment case is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 21 in Kenton County District Court.

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E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com