Police: NC mom accused of locking 5 children in tool box as punishment

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — Five children are being cared for by North Carolina social services after investigators said their mother locked them in a tool box as punishment.

Investigators said Leslie Tiesler also starved and beat her kids.

They were all living in her ex-husband's home in Harnett County while he was overseas.

Authorities said the children had to use a straw to breathe while trapped in the 37-inch box.

Tiesley's ex-husband said he had no idea it was going on.

"I came home from Afghanistan and came home to this and I'm trying to put the pieces together myself," said Brad Thill.

Investigators said they were tipped off by some concerned neighbors.

WSOC