Alleged Drug Dealer Locked Girlfriend in Bedroom for Years: Cops

Authorities say the woman may have been padlocked in the room for up to a decade

State troopers say a woman may have been padlocked in the bedroom of her boyfriend's northern New Jersey home for as long as 10 years.      

Members of the State Police Street Gang unit were searching the home in Paterson for drugs on Thursday.      

State police say detectives entered the locked bedroom and found Michael Mendez's 44-year-old girlfriend.      

Based on interviews and evidence, State Police spokesman acting Sgt. 1st Class Brian Polite says investigators believe the woman was kept in the bedroom for extended periods of time for the last two years and up to possibly 10 years.    
 
Investigators say the woman was let out of the room when her boyfriend was home.      

Mendez is charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and other crimes. Information on an attorney wasn't available.     

The woman is receiving a medical evaluation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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