Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested a couple after five children were found living in what police described as a “dungeon” at their home. State troopers responded to the residence on August 8 following a report from Fayette County Children and Youth Services regarding children living in poor conditions.
Upon arrival, troopers discovered that the children were kept in a bedroom with no beds, feces on the walls, boarded-up windows, and limited access to clothing and food, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Investigators determined that the father would lock the children inside this room overnight and for part of each day. The door was secured with three deadbolt locks on the outside and lacked a handle.
Court records cited by WPXI indicated that when questioned by troopers, the father said he would “not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason.” Troopers reported, “This room functioned as a dungeon with video cameras hardwired to the father’s room.”
All five children are under 14 years old. During their search of the property, authorities also found a stun gun, replica pistol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
To protect the identities of those involved, McClatchy News is not naming the parents. The couple was taken into custody on September 3 and faces multiple charges including endangering children, recklessly endangering another person, aggravated assault, and possession of marijuana.
This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM.
