Inset: Rose Marie Anderson (Houston Police Department). Background: Anderson appearing in court in Harris County following her arrest (KTRK).
In Texas, a 55-year-old woman got arrested for allegedly using zip ties and duct tape to restrain a 7-year-old girl under her care. The woman locked the child in a dog cage beside their Christmas tree for extended periods. Rose Marie Anderson faces felony charges of unlawful restraint and injury to a child following the incident.
Reports reveal that the incident occurred at Anderson’s apartment on Dixie Drive in Houston around December 13. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed, but the documents confirm a family relationship between the two.
Legal records state that Anderson deliberately restricted the child’s freedom without consent, significantly impacting her liberty. Prosecutors further claim that Anderson inflicted bodily harm on the child by kicking her.
In a motion for sufficient bail, prosecutors provided additional details about Anderson’s alleged crime against the 7-year-old. According to the motion, Anderson was the sole caregiver for the child at the time of the incident.
“Defendant locked Victim in a dog cage next to a Christmas tree for hours on end, kicking her while she was locked in the cage while the Victim was zip-tied and her mouth was duct taped shut,” the motion states. “Victim was left without access to food and water, and Victim urinated on herself as she had no access to a bathroom and was left alone for hours on end.”
Authorities said Anderson’s “motive to commit this offense” was to punish the victim because of her “behavior at school.”
In a statement to Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, the Texas Department of Family Services told the station that the victim had been removed from the home and was safe.
“CPS is investigating these abuse allegations alongside law enforcement,” Spokesperson Melissa Lanford said. “The child is now safe in foster care, where she is receiving the care she needs.”
Anderson was processed at the Harris County Jail. She was released on Monday after posting bond of $5,000, records show.
Conditions of Anderson’s release require her to personally appear for all of her court dates and prohibit her from engaging in any conduct that could lead to her arrest or from threatening, harassing, or assaulting the 7-year-old alleged victim.
Anderson is currently scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 6, 2025.
