(Editor’s note: most identifying details from this incident, including the names and ages of the accused, have been removed to protect the identities of the victims. If you suspect abuse or need to report the physical abuse of children, please contact your local police department or file a report with ChildLine.)
A mother and father from Bucks County are facing felony child endangerment charges after their two young children allegedly told investigators they routinely accompanied their parents to the “bad part” of Philadelphia to buy drugs.
In May, investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police received a ChildLine referral referencing two siblings under the age of 6 who were repeatedly exposed to narcotics and drug paraphernalia by their parents, both at their home on Allentown Road and on trips to Philadelphia, according to charging documents. At the time of the ChildLine referral, both parents were already under investigation by Bucks County Children and Youth for narcotics related issues, and the children were subsequently removed from the home and placed into the custody of a relative, police said.
During a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center in Perkasie Borough, the older sibling stated that their parents would drive them to the “bad part” of Philadelphia, where their mother would go into a building and “buy shots” from “poor people,” police said. Upon returning home, the child stated their parents would go into the bathroom, lock the door and “put shots into them” because “mommy is trying to have babies,” according to the criminal complaint.
As the interview continued, the child drew a picture of a hypodermic needle, which they described as having “all kinds of numbers on it” with an orange cap and blood in it. The child said they had found a “bunch of shots” in their parents/ drawers, as well as on the floor throughout the residence and in their toy chest, the report states.
Investigators said the child described seeing their parents “passing out” and falling over, both in the residence and their vehicle on multiple occasions. The child also said when their parents are passed out, there is no one to take care of them or their sibling, so they are forced to climb up and get into the cabinets to get food, according to the complaint.
Prior to the conclusion of the interview, the child added they had witnessed their father physically assault their mother on more than one occasion, citing a specific incident where “daddy bust mommy’s ear drum,” police said.
Court records show both parents were charged on Aug. 17 with two felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Both remain free on $75,000 unsecured bail as they await their preliminary hearings.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause. This story was updated to reflect the child's current custody status.
See also:
Central Bucks School District Employee Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
Man Accused of Taking Photos of Woman in Dressing Room at Goodwill Outlet in Montgomeryville
Cleaning Contractor Accused of Stealing More Than $15,000 in Cash, Checks from Merck Employees
