LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - A woman and her boyfriend have been arrested after police found an 8-year-old developmentally disabled girl locked in a wooden cage in the couple's mobile home.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reported Monday that officers checking on the girl's welfare found her in the cage the size of a crib, and that she was left in it while the rest of the family went to a movie.

Authorities say 33-year-old Cindy Patriarchias of Las Cruces and 37-year-old Edmond Gonzales remained in custody Tuesday after being arrested Friday evening.

Patriarchias is charged with negligently causing child abuse, and Gonzales with negligently permitting child abuse. Court records indicate they appeared in court Monday but haven't yet entered pleas.

A police spokesman says Patriarchias has been trying to adopt the girl.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.