THE parents of an American boy, who was held by a kidnapper for more than four years, say they believe their son was molested during the time he was missing.
The news came on Thursday, the same day the man suspected of kidnapping 15-year-old Shawn Hornbeck in 2002 pleaded not guilty to charges of capturing another boy on Jan 8.
Michael Devlin, a 41-year-old pizzeria manager, was accused of abducting 13-year-old Ben Ownby, who was found with Shawn.
Shawn disappeared at the age of 11 while riding his bicycle in St Louis, Missouri. Prosecutors say Devlin is also charged with kidnapping Shawn.
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey on a show aired on Thursday, Shawn's parents nodded when asked if they believed he was sexually abused.
His grandmother, Ms Anna Quinn, said Shawn told his family that at times during his captivity, he would be awakened every 45 minutes by his captor to deprive him of sleep.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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