PONTIAC, Mich. — Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard recently held a news conference, shedding light on a distressing case involving children who were abandoned for several years in a Pontiac home.
Bouchard described the situation as “very horrific.” He shared that the children’s father, who was incarcerated for a time, has tried to reconnect with them since his release. He filed court documents seeking visitation, and an agreement was reached in 2022. Unfortunately, the mother still prevented him from having contact.
The sheriff noted that the period of abandonment seems to have started around spring 2020, coinciding with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bouchard mentioned that the mother last checked on the children’s hygiene when she dropped off cleaning supplies like Febreeze and garbage bags. Astonishingly, the boy had only left the house twice, once to feel the grass and once to collect the mail. “It’s heartbreaking,” Bouchard said. “You wouldn’t do this to an animal, let alone your child.”
Food delivery services like Instacart and Doordash brought supplies to the home, but none of the drivers were aware that children were living alone inside. Bouchard explained that the children were existing on minimal food, usually a loaf of bread meant to last three to four days.
Authorities are still investigating how the children fell through the cracks of the system. In one instance, a Pontiac school received a request for the children’s transcripts but the school that sent them never confirmed their enrollment.
On a positive note, Bouchard reported that the community is stepping up to help. They’ve received enough clothing for the children and are now focusing on financial support. Donations have been set up through Mission Oakland, and they are seeking legal help to manage funds for the children’s future.
Currently, the mother is in custody and cooperating with investigators. Bouchard explained that the kids were afraid to leave the home, adding that the mother had been living elsewhere in Pontiac without further details on her situation.
The case came to light when officers checked the home after the landlord reported no contact from the mother since December and no rent payments since October. When deputies arrived at the home on Lydia Lane, they found a 15-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old girl living in deplorable conditions. The girls were found locked in a bathroom.
Once discovered, the children were in terrible living conditions, with garbage piled high and unsanitary hazards throughout the house. They had not attended school since being abandoned, spending their time watching TV or playing games. It appeared the girls had not been outside for years, while the boy slept on a mattress on the floor.
The children were taken to the hospital for evaluation. They were found in soiled clothes, with matted hair and overgrown toenails. Bouchard reported that they’ve made significant progress since receiving care. They’ve spoken with professionals at CARE House and have been treated at McLaren Oakland Hospital. More thorough physical and mental health evaluations are planned soon.
Neighbors reported they occasionally saw a woman dropping off items at the home but never saw the children leave. The mother was arrested without incident at a separate location, and the children are now in the care of a relative through Child Protective Services.
If you suspect a child is being neglected or abused, please report it to the state by calling 855-444-3911. More information can be found here.
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