Pontiac Mother Arrested After Abandoning Kids in Filthy Home for Years

Pontiac mother arrested after allegedly leaving her children in an uninhabitable home filled with debris and neglect.

Pontiac, MI – A Pontiac mother has been arrested after allegedly abandoning her three children in a filthy home for years, leaving them to survive on sporadic food drop-offs while living in unimaginable squalor, according to authorities.

The 34-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody on Friday and is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office described the children's living conditions as "unconscionable," noting they had been deprived of education, hygiene, and even basic human interaction.

Children Found in Deplorable Conditions

Deputies were called to the home on Lydia Lane for a welfare check after the landlord, who had not received rent since October and hadn’t heard from the mother since December, expressed concerns. Inside, they found a 15-year-old boy and two girls, ages 12 and 13, who had been living alone in horrific conditions for at least three years.

The children were found wearing soiled clothing, with matted hair and toenails so long they struggled to walk. They reportedly did not know how to use hygiene products or even flush a toilet. The home was described as a disaster zone, with garbage piled four feet high, mold, and human waste throughout. The toilet was overflowing, and feces were discovered in the bathtub.

According to police, the children survived on weekly drop-offs of prepared food from their mother or an unknown person. However, she did not provide essentials like toilet paper or personal hygiene products. While the boy maintained some contact with their mother, it appeared she had not physically seen the girls in years.

Images of Bathroom Condition

Community Shocked by Discovery

Neighbors told investigators they had no idea children were living in the home, as they were never seen outside. Witnesses only recalled seeing the mother occasionally dropping off supplies. Emma Gross, a nearby resident, expressed shock and heartbreak over the situation.

“Everybody’s upset about it," she said. "How could something like this happen in our neighborhood? How did no one notice sooner?”

The children, who had not attended school in years, reportedly spent their time watching television and playing games. The boy slept on a mattress on the floor, while his sisters slept on pizza boxes.

Mother Arrested, Investigation Ongoing

Authorities located and arrested the mother at a different location. She claimed the children's father was not involved in their lives. Sheriff Michael Bouchard condemned the neglect, calling it one of the most severe cases of child abandonment he has encountered.

“This situation would be deemed deplorable for an animal, let alone three children,” Bouchard said. “We are committed to ensuring this mother faces the full consequences of her actions.”

Where the Children Was Left to Stay for Year

The children were taken to a hospital for evaluation before being placed in the custody of a relative by Child Protective Services. An investigation into the case remains ongoing.