3 face new charges in Philly basement-captive case

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia’s district attorney has filed new charges against three suspects accused in an alleged Social Security plot in which police say mentally disabled people were kept in a basement.

DA Seth Williams announced today he is adding new charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, conspiracy and other counts against Linda Ann Weston, her daughter Jean McIntosh and Eddie Wright.

Prosecutors say these charges relate to the abuse of a 19--year-old woman who was locked in a bathroom closet for at least two weeks.

Weston, Wright, McIntosh and a fourth suspect, Gregory Thomas, were arrested last week. They are accused of preying on mentally disabled adults, locking them in a basement and wresting control of their disability checks.

All four had initial court hearings this week. They have not entered pleas.