Enid, Oklahoma — An Oklahoma Air Force lieutenant colonel and his wife are facing child neglect charges after investigators allegedly found their 9-year-old adopted daughter severely malnourished and living inside a closet at their Enid home.

Lt. Col. Steven Haynes and Susan Haynes were arrested after investigators with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services reportedly learned about the conditions in which the girl was living. According to an arrest report cited by local NBC affiliate KFOR, the child weighed just 39 pounds, roughly the weight expected for a girl several years younger.

The allegations have raised serious questions about how the child was treated inside the home and why previous concerns about her welfare did not lead to intervention.

Girl Allegedly Lived Inside a Closet

According to the arrest report, investigators discovered that the girl had been living in a closet inside the family’s Enid home.

The child reportedly slept on a cot with only a blanket and no pillow. Investigators also allegedly found a bucket inside the closet that she was expected to use as a bathroom.

The girl was reportedly so hungry that she sometimes ate dog food, according to the affidavit.

Investigators were also told that the child sometimes had to take cold showers.

The allegations describe a highly restricted living arrangement in which the young girl was separated from the rest of the household and given limited access to basic comforts.

Investigators Say She Was Called “Jingle Bells”

One of the most unusual allegations in the case involves the way the girl was reportedly monitored inside the home.

Investigators said the couple allegedly made the child wear bells around her neck, wrists and legs so they could hear her whenever she moved. According to investigators, the couple called the girl “Jingle Bells” because of the bells she was required to wear.

The arrangement allegedly allowed the adults to know where the child was inside the house without having to see her.

The girl reportedly described her living conditions to investigators in a way that suggested she viewed the treatment as a normal part of her life.

Couple Allegedly Blamed an Eating Disorder

The Haynes reportedly told investigators that the girl had an eating disorder and suggested that her extremely low weight was connected to that condition.

However, when investigators asked why they had not sought medical or counseling assistance for the child, Susan Haynes allegedly responded that “she did not believe that a doctor or counseling would help.”

The allegation is particularly significant because investigators reportedly found the child at a weight far below what would normally be expected for her age.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s care and whether the adults responsible for her welfare failed to obtain appropriate medical assistance.

DHS Had Investigated the Family Before

The latest allegations were reportedly not the first time concerns had been raised about the girl’s well-being.

According to the report, school officials had previously contacted DHS after noticing signs that the girl appeared malnourished while she was in pre-K. The child reportedly attempted to take food from other children, raising concerns about possible hunger and inadequate nutrition.

Following those concerns, the Haynes allegedly removed her from school and began homeschooling her. The child remained largely outside the view of school officials after that, according to the reported investigation.

Air Force Officer Has Military Background

Steven Haynes is a 19-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and works as a flight instructor at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, according to a statement from the Air Force.

Vance Air Force Base is located about 80 miles northwest of Oklahoma City and serves as a major military training installation.

Haynes was also among nine airmen who previously filed a lawsuit after refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The group argued the vaccine contained “unclean things forbidden by God.”

That previous dispute is separate from the current child neglect case.

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Couple Released on Bond

Police arrested Steven and Susan Haynes and booked them into the Garfield County Jail. The couple have since posted $10,000 bonds and were released while the criminal case proceeds.

Their next court appearances are scheduled for October 5. The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For now, the case centers on investigators’ claims that a young adopted girl was deprived of adequate food, normal living conditions and appropriate care while living in the Haynes’ home.

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