Two parents kept some of their 11 adopted children in cages

An attorney for two parents who kept some of their 11 adopted children in cages at night released photographs showing the kids laughing and playing in a home full of toys and gifts.

Attorney David Sherman said the 20-plus photos he shared with The Plain Dealer demonstrate that allegations of neglect and abuse against his clients are unfounded.

Michael and Sharen Gravelle adopted youngsters with ailments such as autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, HIV and pica, an eating disorder in which children compulsively eat nonfood materials such as dirt and rocks.

Authorities say the couple put some of the children in homemade wooden cages to sleep and as punishment during the day. The couple have denied harming the children, and no charges have been filed while authorities investigate.

"This case has been very one-sided from the beginning," Sherman told the newspaper for a story published Sunday. "There is absolutely no basis of child abuse or neglect. These are happy children." The children, ages 1 to 14, were taken from the Gravelles last month and placed in foster homes, reports the AP. I.L.