Allen County, Indiana – An Indiana woman accused of hiding her son inside her home for days, locking him in a closet and forcing him to use a Pringles can as a toilet, has avoided prison time after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Disturbing Allegations Uncovered After Missing Child Report
The case centers on Angie Harlan, 45, who was sentenced this week following an investigation that began when her son was reported missing from his foster home in August. According to court records, the boy’s foster family contacted authorities on August 17 after he failed to return.
Law enforcement and agents from the Department of Child Services initially questioned Harlan shortly after the missing child report was filed. At that time, she allegedly denied knowing where her son was or having seen him.
Police Return After Tip Leads to Shocking Discovery
Authorities later received a tip indicating the boy might be at Harlan’s residence. Police returned to the home to conduct a search, where they eventually found the child hiding under a bed in a second-story bedroom.
Investigators said the boy told officers that after running away from his foster placement, he first went to a stranger’s home, where someone allowed him to use a phone. He allegedly called his mother to explain what had happened.
According to police, Harlan then went to retrieve him and brought him back to her house.
Locked in a Closet With a Padlock
Once home, the boy accused Harlan of ordering him into a closet secured with a keyed padlock. Investigators said she gave him a Pringles can and instructed him to use it as a toilet so his presence would not be detected.
Court documents also state that when officers initially came to the house during their first visit, Harlan allegedly told the boy to hide under a bed. On another occasion, she reportedly took him to a park and forced him to hide in bushes to avoid being seen.
Chilling Statements to Authorities
According to court records, when officers and child welfare agents attempted to retrieve the child, Harlan became hostile and made alarming statements.
“That’s my f—ing kid,” she allegedly told authorities. “Nobody’s taking my f—ing kid.”
Police documents further allege that she threatened to kill the child during the confrontation.
Allegations of Drugging the Child
In addition to confinement accusations, investigators said the boy told them his mother gave him pills that she claimed were Tylenol. The child reportedly disputed that claim, telling police, “It wasn’t Tylenol. I know what Tylenol is.”
During a search of the home, officers located two prescription pill bottles. The medications were identified as Pregabalin 75 mg, a pain medication, and Hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg, an antihistamine commonly prescribed for anxiety or as a sedative.
Both prescriptions were reportedly issued to Harlan. The boy told investigators that after taking the pills, he felt “drunk” and eventually passed out.
Charges Reduced Through Plea Agreement
Prosecutors initially charged Harlan with two counts of neglect, criminal confinement, and false informing. However, as part of a plea deal, the more serious charges were dismissed.
Harlan ultimately pleaded guilty to felony intimidation and misdemeanor false informing.
On Monday, the court sentenced her to 2½ years with Allen County Community Corrections Residential Services, allowing her to avoid traditional prison time.
What Community Corrections Means
The Allen County Community Corrections Residential Services program is described by officials as an alternative to incarceration designed for moderate- to high-risk offenders. Participants are subject to strict supervision, structured housing, and compliance requirements, rather than serving time in a state prison.
Officials say the program focuses on accountability while allowing offenders to remain under close monitoring within the community.
Ongoing Concerns About Child Safety
The boy’s current placement and long-term care arrangements have not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have also not released his age, citing privacy protections involving minors.
Cases like this highlight ongoing concerns surrounding child welfare, foster placements, and the challenges faced by authorities when children run away and are concealed by family members attempting to avoid detection.
Conclusion
While the sentence avoids prison, the allegations against Angie Harlan paint a disturbing picture of confinement, intimidation, and endangerment. The case underscores the importance of community reporting, thorough investigations, and swift intervention when children are reported missing or at risk.
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