Two people are facing charges after Pennsylvania State Police say children and animals were discovered living in unsafe conditions inside a home.
According to court records, troopers were called to the residence on July 15 by Children and Youth Services. Inside, police say they found a 9-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. The home reportedly had a strong odor, spoiled food in the refrigerator—including meat that had liquefied and moldy lunch meat—holes in the walls and floors, and garbage and dog feces in the children’s bedroom. Authorities also noted box spring mattresses used as beds and a dead turtle in a dog food bowl.
Two dogs were also found in the home. One was reported to be suffering from anemia, starvation, and emaciation, while the other had a flea infestation, whipworms, and open skin wounds.
Venessa-Marie Bartolomeo and Tyrone Gooch have each been charged with:
- Two counts of endangering the welfare of children
- Two counts of aggravated cruelty
- Neglecting animals by not providing water
- Two counts of neglecting animals without shelter
- Two counts of neglecting animals from veterinary care
The investigation is ongoing.
