Shocking Revelation: Clear Lake Man Allegedly Imprisons Disabled Wife for Half a Decade

HOUSTON — In a disturbing case out of Texas, authorities have reported that a man allegedly confined his wife for five years within their $1 million home, where they lived with their children.

On Friday morning, James Earl Johnson was taken into custody. However, he has since been released on bail, with a court order mandating that he maintain distance from both his wife and their residence in Houston.

According to police, the victim, a 46-year-old woman with disabilities, was kept locked in a bedroom without any access to a phone.

Court records indicate that the opportunity for escape arose when Johnson inadvertently left a phone on a nightstand on Friday, which the victim used to dial 911.

However, police report that Johnson intercepted the call, allegedly striking his wife and returning her to the bedroom before disconnecting the emergency call.

The victim’s adult son told ABC Houston affiliate KTRK his mother was in the hospital on Monday, but didn’t elaborate on her condition or the nature of her disability.

“People might think it’s easy to just leave, but if you’re suffering from some sort of disability, the chances are greater that you can’t leave,” said trauma therapist Chau Nguyen.

The victim appears to have made at least one previous attempt.

Police confirm she called them Nov. 16. But when officers arrived at the house, they say she told them she and her children were told to stay quiet and not say anything to police.

Officers left without filing a report.

“Over time, there’s fear, there’s dependence. Sometimes there’s even a trauma bond between the victim and the abuser,” said Nguyen.

KTRK tried reaching Johnson at the phone number he listed on court paperwork, but our message was not returned.

At last check, he had not hired an attorney.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text “START” to 88788 | thehotline.org