PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A woman filed a lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia Monday for placing her in the care of an aunt who then allegedly beat, starved and tortured her.
Beatrice Weston, 20, was, at the age of 10, put in the care of her aunt, Linda Ann Weston. She was one of five people authorities said they found imprisoned in Linda Ann Weston's home in October, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Beatrice Weston was found locked in a cramped closet and four mentally disabled adults were in the basement.
Authorities allege Linda Ann Weston moved the five around the country, beating them and keeping them locked up in a plot to steal their Social Security benefits.
The lawsuit against the city, filed in Common Pleas Court by the Philadelphia law firm Kline and Specter, says Beatrice Weston should not have been placed in the care of her aunt, who had been convicted in 1983 for starving a man to death in a closet.
"During that time, Beatrice Weston was forcibly prostituted by Linda Ann Weston, and was regularly beaten, starved and denied medical and dental care, as well as schooling," the lawsuit states. "During these 10 years [the] city of Philadelphia, received numerous complaints that Linda Ann Weston, was holding children captive in her basement."
Damages are sought for Beatrice Weston's pain and anguish, as well as payment for her substantial medical and therapy expenses and compensation for loss of past and future earnings, the lawsuit says.
Linda Ann Weston and three others -- her boyfriend, daughter and another man -- are to go on trial Jan. 28 on multiple charges.
