Fayette County couple arrested after 5 children found in "deplorable living conditions," state police say
A Fayette County couple has been charged after Pennsylvania State Police found five children in "deplorable living conditions" in Redstone Township.
State troopers out of the Belle Vernon barracks have charged 65-year-old James Russell Kahl and 41-year-old Carly Kahl after authorities found the couple's five children living in a home along Willis Avenue with no beds, boarded-up windows, feces on bedroom walls, fleas, limited clothing, and food.
"It is sickening. That is the only word to describe it. It's sickening," Trooper Ally Wilson said.
Troopers were originally called to the home on Aug. 8 to assist Fayette County Children and Youth Services after receiving a complaint about the children, all ranging from the age of 5 to 14, living in "deplorable conditions," according to court documents.
Police say the father locked the children's bedroom door from the outside, trapping them in their rooms throughout part of the day and all night long.
The room functioned as a "dungeon," with video cameras hardwired to the father's room, authorities said. Troopers noticed three deadbolt locks on the outside of the door and no door handle, which gave the children no way to escape.
The children were safely removed from the household and placed into the care of CYS, where they remain.
"We are very, very happy that a family member was willing to come forward and report this to us. We are very happy with our Children and Youth Services, who removed these children, and our Belle Vernon state police, that continued this investigation long after the children were removed to make the arrest that they did today," Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele said.
A search warrant was served on Wednesday, at which point both parents were taken into custody. Troopers recovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, a surveillance camera, drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
Auble added that the couple is facing several charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.