DETROIT – The search for young Charlie Bothuell made national news and so did the ensuing child abuse case against his parents.
Charlie, then 12 years old, went missing for 11 days in June of 2014.
Police discovered the boy hiding behind a makeshift barricade in his father’s basement.
Criminal charges were filed against the boy's father, Charlie Bothuell IV, and his stepmother, Monique Dillard-Bothuell.
The father was offered a plea deal that would allow him to avoid jail time but he has maintained his innocence and is preparing for a big gamble that could cost him his freedom.
Bothuell, who is facing a 10-year felony, spoke with Local 4’s Shawn Ley about his case and how the ordeal has cost him his marriage, his family and potentailly his freedom. The full interview is available below.