Wis. couple allegedly chained, beat son

EAU CLAIRE, Wis., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A couple in Eau Claire, Wis., allegedly locked their disabled son in their basement, where he faced physical abuse at his father's hands, authorities say.

Chippewa County District Attorney Jon Theisen said Mai Vang Xiong, 57, and Song Xiong, 48, were arrested after their developmentally disabled 21-year-old son was found wearing a heavy chain around his ankles in a convenience store, the Eau Claire (Wis.) Leader Telegram said Wednesday.

The filing of charges has been delayed since the couple lives in Eau Claire County, but Cheng Xiong was discovered in a Chippewa County store this week.

"Right now the most obvious charge is false imprisonment," Theisen said of the likely charges against the two suspects, who have a December court hearing scheduled. "There are allegations of physical abuse or battery."

Authorities allege Cheng Xiong told investigators his father and two other men used a wooden stick and a boxing glove to beat him on Monday.

The Leader Telegram said the 21-year-old, who alleged being the victim of prior acts of abuse, also claims he was routinely chained up in the basement by his parents.