A couple from Missouri faces charges of child endangerment after allegedly neglecting a child’s severe staph infection for an entire year, during which time the sores reportedly expanded to the size of baseballs.

Authorities arrested William Robinson, 41, and Keisha Morgan, 35, and placed them in St. Clair County Jail on Tuesday, according to a report by KOLR.

The situation came to light last October when school officials, alarmed by the boy’s condition, alerted the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. Hospital staff later informed investigators that the boy’s sores, located on his buttocks, were so severe that they hindered his ability to walk or sit comfortably. Additional bruises were noted, which were reportedly the result of a fight with his brother.

Medical personnel diagnosed the infection as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a particularly aggressive bacterial infection resistant to many standard antibiotics. This type of infection poses serious health risks, as it can enter the bloodstream and potentially hinder growth and development.

Court records reveal that Morgan admitted to being aware of the infection for nearly a year. However, she chose not to seek professional medical help, opting instead to treat the child herself with unspecified medications.

Detectives further said that the sore were in various stages of healing, indicating a long-term infection.

Morgan also said that the same boy had reported being sexually abused by another child at the home but that she failed to report the allegation.

Robinson admitted pouring out the sick boy’s urine sample while at the hospital, saying he was afraid it might reveal alcohol, marijuana, or semen from the boy’s brother. He said he was afraid Morgan would lose custody of her children. He also admitted knowing about the sore and declining to seek medical attention for the boy.

Warrants were issued for the pair’s arrest, and the children have been removed from the home. Documents did not provide the age of any of the children involved or say how many children lived at the home.

Robinson and Morgan are each charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child. Morgan is further charged with felony abuse or neglect of a child, and Robinson faces a charged of tampering with physical evidence.

They’re being held on $25,000 bonds each.