ZEARING, Iowa — Four people, including one teenager, have been arrested following an extensive investigation into the abuse of a family member. The Story County Sheriff’s Office said 44-year-old Gary Graham, 42-year-old Danielle Graham, 20-year-old Aaron Williams and 16-year-old Kaitlynn Williams, all of Zearing, are charged with first-degree kidnapping and willful injury.  First-degree kidnapping is a Class A felony, while willful injury is a Class C felony. The four defendants are being held in the custody of the Story County Jail.

According to the sheriff’s office, an investigation was launched after an adult man was admitted to an area hospital in January with severe and life-threatening injuries and signs of malnutrition — he weighed only 70 pounds.

Story County S/O photos

The investigation found the man suffered several injuries caused by abuse, including a brain bleed, fractured ribs and other wounds in several stages of weighing. The Story County Sheriff’s Office alleges that all family members in the victim’s household knew about and participated in the abuse.

The family is accused of handcuffing the victim’s wrists and ankles to his bed while physically abusing him. Investigators believe the alleged abuse escalated in early November 2023.