FARMINGTON, N.M. — Farmington Police arrested two people accused of child abuse after a months-long investigation.

Police arrested 36-year-old Patricia Madrid and 59-year-old Jammy Jackson. They each face seven felony child abuse charges and seven felony charges of conspiracy to commit that abuse.

According to a criminal complaint, one of the children alleged they were forced to stay standing inside of a chicken coop from when they woke up to when they went to bed – around 17 hours. The child alleged this happened every day from April to September, except for three days for a family trip, and that they were only allowed to use the bathroom twice a day.

The child also alleged they had been forced to be out in the cold without proper clothing. Jackson and Madrid are accused of malnourishing the child and abusing them, even pointing a gun at the child and hitting them.

Investigators questioned Jackson and Madrid. They said the child had outbursts requiring discipline but denied the allegations lodged against them.

Investigators say a search warrant on Jackson’s phone allegedly revealed a log of extensive text messages. The messages allegedly showed him and Madrid discussing what was alleged against them.

Police drew up charges against them. They arrested them Tuesday.

This isn’t the first time Madrid has faced charges for child abuse. In 2020, prosecutors charged her with child abuse. However, the case was dropped.