Police have charged three individuals, after the discovery of four malnourished mentally disabled adults chained to a boiler in a locked basement room in northern Philadelphia.

Officers found the victims while investigating a report of squatters in the building, according to the Associated Press. During the investigation three men and one woman were found in a 15x15 room behind a steel door that was chained shut.

The room reeked of human waste from buckets they used to relieve themselves said Philadelphia police on Sunday.

The four victims all had the mental capacity of 10 year olds, police said. They were taken into the care of mental health officials. They were listed in stable condition and appeared to have no physical problems other than malnourishment.

Charges ranging from criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and related offense were filed against Linda Ann Weston, 51 and Thomas Gregory 47 both of Philadelphia as well as Eddie Wright, 49. of Texas. Possible federal charges could be added.

“Police are investigating the possibility that the suspects were trying to make money through access to the victims' Social Security or disability checks, said Officer Tanya Little, a police spokeswoman. It wasn't clear how they know the victims.