STEUBENVILLE, Ohio >> A couple from eastern Ohio has been charged with forcing their children into plastic storage boxes as a form of punishment.

A prosecutor told local media outlets that the couple used duct tape to seal their three children, ages 5, 7, and 8, inside the plastic storage containers, which had a hole cut in the top for air.

The parents from Steubenville were indicted this week on charges of endangering children and unlawful restraint. Prosecutors said two other people are charged with knowing about the abuse and not doing anything about it.

WTOV-TV reports that the alleged abuse was discovered in June. The children are safe and have been staying with family members since then.