Houston Captives: People Held In 'Prison Room' For Up To 10 Years, Police Say

Several Victims Held Captive In 'Prison Room' For Up To 10 Years

Police uncovered what they call a "prison room" in Texas where at least four victims were being held against their will.

Officers responded to the Houston home at 8:30 a.m. after a tip that four men, ages 79, 54, 74 and about 65 were being held captive in the garage, KTRK reports. When they arrived, the front door was nailed shut. Inside they found a trash-ridden room with no beds. The four victims were inside.

One of the victims says he's been there for about 10 years, according to CNN. Three of the men couldn't walk and were transported to a nearby hospital.

Three women and a suspect live in the house, and one person was taken into custody. It wasn't immediately clear whether that person would face charges.

Details about the victims and their captivity were still hazy at press time. Police told some news sources that the men may have been homeless, and were lured to the house with beer and cigarettes in exchange for their Social Securty and Veteran's Administration checks, FOX 4 reports.

One of the victims reportedly said he'd been staying in the house for six months, according to KTRK. He reportedly had no desire to leave, but said his living conditions were not good.

More from the Associated Press:

Police Sgt. Steven Murdock says the men were homeless and may have been held so that a captor could cash checks the men were receiving. At least one of the men is a military veteran. It's unclear whether the men were targeted for their Social Security payments or some other kind.

He says the men were malnourished and "almost invalids." Three were taken to a hospital for treatment.

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