Jonestown, Pennsylvania — A 5-year-old boy found naked and wandering alone in the middle of a roadway has led authorities to what police describe as a disturbing home with alleged hoarder conditions, resulting in the arrest of three adults on felony child endangerment charges.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, after receiving reports of a young child walking naked in the middle of Quarry Road near South Lancaster Street.
When officers arrived, they found several Good Samaritans caring for the boy until first responders reached the scene.
The child was transported to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital for a medical evaluation while investigators worked to determine where he had come from.
Investigation Leads Police to Nearby Home
Authorities soon identified a residence on Poplar Street as the home the child had allegedly escaped.
According to police, officers encountered what they described as hoarder conditions throughout the residence, including large amounts of trash, hundreds of flies and clutter that made it difficult to move through the home.
Investigators also reported finding one bedroom that appeared to have been specially modified to keep the child inside.
Police said a baby gate had been attached to the outside of the bedroom doorway using numerous zip ties and duct tape, while wooden boards had reportedly been drilled above the doorway to prevent the child from escaping.
Bedroom Conditions Described in Police Report
Authorities said the room identified as the child’s bedroom contained extremely unsanitary conditions.
According to the police report, investigators found feces smeared on the walls and window, a damaged bed covered with food, trash scattered across the floor and hundreds of flies throughout the room.
Children’s toys were also reportedly found inside the bedroom.
Court documents cited by local media allege that one of the suspects, Jade Shuey, told investigators the child was often fed through the baby gate and sometimes went more than a week without bathing.
The affidavit also alleges the adults regularly purchased zip ties in bulk because several had to be cut each time the child was removed from the room.
Those allegations have not been proven in court.
Three Adults Charged
Following the investigation, police arrested Jade Shuey, 21, Tucker Heagy, 20, and Stephanie Schaffner, 42.
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All three have been charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child.
According to court records, the defendants remain in custody after failing to post bail, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 23.
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The allegations outlined in the criminal complaint represent the prosecution’s claims. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, officials encourage contacting local law enforcement or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline for confidential assistance.
What are your thoughts on this case? What more should communities and child welfare agencies do to identify children living in dangerous conditions before situations like this occur? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.