A Pennsylvania couple was jailed earlier this month for neglecting their seven children who were found living in deplorable conditions.
On April 23, police responded to West Rockhill Township amid reports of two juveniles entering an abandoned trailer. Responding officers located Crystal and Shane Robertson’s 12-year-old daughter, who was barefoot and had taken a blanket from the trailer to keep their two dozen rats warm, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Police later found six other children in the family’s trailer. Almost all of the children, who were 16 or younger, were allegedly severely malnourished. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that officers found little food in the residence; Crystal and Shane Robertson, 37 and 47, allegedly kept a lock on the refrigerator.
According to CNN, Crystal Robertson told police she kept the fridge locked because her children were “stealing” everything. She allegedly then described them as “garbage disposals with legs.”
The Robertsons’ youngest child is four years old. Police claim the couple’s children had a slew of health issues — including COVID 19, ringworm, dental abscesses, sunburn, and diminished kidney function.
According to WHP, police later learned that the Robertsons’ children lacked formal education. Some of the children did not know their birthdays and four of them had speech impediments. All seven children reportedly expressed that they did not like being in public or around other people.
Reports indicated that one of the children still had maggots in her hair a week after being taken out of her parents’ care. Two of the children had to have their heads shaved.
In addition to the two dozen caged rats, cops reportedly discovered two dogs, two turtles, two rabbits, snakes, toads, and a Tegu, which is a 4-foot reptile. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that feces was found on the floor and walls.
The seven children reportedly gained two pounds during their first week in foster care. All of them are now up to date with their dental work and the four children who needed glasses have them, WHP reported.
Crystal and Shane Robertson are charged with endangering the welfare of a child and endangering a child younger than 6.
The couple was booked into jail on May 19. They are free on $10,000 bail.
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[Featured image: Crystal and Shane Robertson/Pennridge Regional Police Department]
