Accused : Jordan McKay Nelson , 23 , has been accused of locking the four children in dog cages . A step-mum has been accused of locking her four young children in a dog cage in a dark basement as punishment , it has been reported . Jordan McKay Nelson , 23 , also allegedly forced the youngsters to eat dog food , which caused one six-year-old boy to vomit violently . The children , aged between five to nine years old , were held under 'terrorising conditions ' , according to court documents in North Dakota , USA . Nelson is also accused of turning out the lights when the children were locked into the cages as a form of punishment . During a police interview , one nine-year-old boy drew a picture of himself in the kennel with the words 'Help me ' . A police affidavit says Nelson is in a relationship with the children 's biological mother . The complaint read : 'The previously stated actions are also enough to cause permanent mental injury to the juveniles . ' Nelson has been charged with four counts of abuse , neglect of a child and felonious restraint . A preliminary hearing has been set for April 13 . Her lawyer has not yet returned phone calls seeking comment on his client . She was released on bond and ordered to stay away from the children , who live in the city of Grafton in North Dakota .
Jordan two children , 23 , abused them by keeping them caged . Forced the boy to feed on dog food until he was violently ill . Court documents say children were held under ' harsh conditions '