4-YEAR-OLD FOUND CONFINED INSIDE CLOSET WITH PORTABLE TOILET — STEPMOM FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGE

A Missouri woman is facing a child abuse or neglect charge after authorities say her 4-year-old stepson was found confined inside a closet at a home in Carthage.

According to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, a Children’s Division worker discovered the boy inside the closet on August 15.

Inside, deputies reportedly found a small portable toddler toilet, couch cushions and flies, while the closet had a strong odor of urine.

SHE SAID IT WAS PUNISHMENT

Investigators say Saybra Martin told deputies she had confined the boy there for approximately three hours, citing behavioral issues and saying he had been hitting his siblings.

But the allegations went beyond the confinement.

The boy reportedly told investigators that Martin had struck him with her hand and a paddle and that she threw a Gatorade bottle that hit him in the head.

A nurse practitioner who examined the child reportedly documented significant bruising and said bruising on his face was consistent with someone forcefully grabbing him.

Martin allegedly acknowledged spanking the child and grabbing his face, although she disputed aspects of the allegations and said the bottle struck a wall before hitting him.

AUTHORITIES ALSO DESCRIBED THE HOME AS UNSANITARY

The affidavit reportedly describes trash piled inside and outside the residence, cockroach activity, spoiled food and a strong foul odor.

The boy and three other children were removed from the home.

Martin is also facing a separate abuse-or-neglect charge involving another 4-year-old child, according to PEOPLE. She has pleaded not guilty in both cases.

A 4-YEAR-OLD.

A CLOSET USED AS PUNISHMENT.

AND ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE NOW LED TO CRIMINAL CHARGES.

The allegations remain allegations, and the case will now proceed through the court system.