Brownsville parents charged in child abuse case
A 6-year-old Brownsville girl told police her parents locked her in a dog cage naked overnight, fed her dog food and physically abused her.
On Tuesday, Jacob William Weight, 37, and Mimi Ann Frost, 33, both of Brownsville were arrested on charges that include aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and endangering the welfare of children.
Police said they learned of the alleged abuse after they were called to the couple’s home in the 1300 block of Sheridan Avenue on Jan. 7 after the 6-year-old became unresponsive.
According to the criminal complaint, the child appeared malnourished and had bruises and open sores on her body. The girl was taken to a local hospital and later transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
A report from Children’s Hospital described the victim as being “severely hypothermic” and having a temperature below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. She also reportedly had broken and rotten teeth, swollen feet, and had not received pediatric care in more than three years.
“It is stated multiple times in the report that she could have died as a result of this egregious abuse and neglect, and if she returns to her current environment, she is highly likely to die of abuse and neglect,” police wrote in the complaint.
Police said there were also four other children in the home between the ages of 5 and 17. Through interviews with the victim and the other children, police learned of a disturbing pattern of abuse mostly directed towards the 6-year-old.
Court paperwork indicated the 6-year-old told police her parents “busted my head open a couple times with a lighter.” Police also alleged Weight and Frost used zip ties to restrain the child.
As Weight and Frost were led from the state police barracks in Belle Vernon Tuesday afternoon, Weight denied the allegations.
“I’m innocent. That’s it,” he told reporters.
Frost did not comment.
Police who responded to the home on Jan. 7 described it as being in “deplorable condition.”
According to the complaint, there was a strong odor of urine and feces that were, “permeating the entirety of the house.” Police wrote in the complaint, that there were eight dogs being kept in two large cages.
The couple was arraigned Tuesday, and both were denied bond.