Authorities allege the 9-year-old adopted child weighed 39 pounds and endured prolonged neglect before being removed from the home.
ENID, OK — An Enid couple has been charged with child neglect after authorities alleged their 9-year-old adopted daughter was kept in a closet, given a bucket to use as a bathroom and found severely undernourished, according to court records and a Department of Human Services report cited by KFOR.
Steven and Susan Haynes each face one count of child neglect. KFOR reported that both posted $10,000 bond after their arrests. The allegations center on conditions investigators say the girl endured inside the couple’s Enid home, including restricted living arrangements and inadequate nutrition. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the filing of criminal charges does not establish guilt.
According to the DHS report described by KFOR, the child weighed 39 pounds when authorities became involved. The report characterized her condition as showing signs of life-threatening physical and psychological neglect. Authorities alleged that the girl was kept in a closet during the day and at night with a cot and blanket but no pillow. A bucket was allegedly provided for her to use as a toilet.
The girl told authorities that she was responsible for emptying the bucket into a toilet when it became full and cleaning it with wipes, according to the report. Court documents also alleged that she sometimes ate dog food and was required at times to take cold showers. The reported conditions were described by investigators as part of a broader pattern of inadequate care.
Authorities also alleged that the child wore bells on her wrists, legs and neck so the adults in the home could track where she was. The girl reportedly told investigators that the arrangement was used to let the couple know when she was moving around the house. Because she is a minor and an alleged victim of neglect, her name is being withheld.
The case had earlier warning signs, according to the DHS material cited by KFOR. When the girl attended Prairieview Elementary School in prekindergarten, school employees reportedly noticed her taking food from other children’s backpacks and believed she appeared malnourished. Staff contacted DHS, the report said. The Hayneses later removed the girl from the school and began homeschooling her, according to the allegations.
The parents told officials they believed the girl had a food-related disorder, according to the report. When questioned about why she had not received hospital treatment, Susan Haynes told authorities she did not believe a doctor or counseling would help, KFOR reported. The available reporting did not identify any medical diagnosis supporting the parents’ explanation.
DHS eventually took the child for medical evaluation. A doctor who examined her told authorities that she had gained weight while separated from the Hayneses and concluded that she previously had not received adequate nutrition, according to KFOR’s account of the investigation. Details about the girl’s current placement and medical condition have not been publicly released.
Steven Haynes works at Vance Air Force Base, according to KFOR. In a statement reported by the station, base leadership said it was aware of allegations involving a service member and was monitoring the case while cooperating with local law enforcement. The base said it could not release further details because the matter remains under investigation.
The criminal case remains pending. Publicly available reporting reviewed Saturday did not establish whether either defendant has entered a plea or identify a date for the next court proceeding. Authorities have not released additional information about the child’s current circumstances.
Author note: Last updated September 19, 2026.