In a disturbing case from Tennessee, a couple has been arrested after police discovered they were keeping their children in extremely unhygienic and dangerous conditions.
One child was even locked inside a dog cage and beaten with a metal rod for misbehaving, according to officials. The shocking incident has raised serious concerns about child safety and neglect.
How the Investigation Began
It all started early on a Tuesday morning around 7:30 AM when local authorities received a call about two small children found alone in a wooded area near their home in Mascot, a town outside Knoxville. Deputies arrived at the scene and found the children, who were later taken back to their residence.
There, they met the parents — Jason Hoffer, 27, and Amber Hoffer, 28.
The officers soon discovered that the family had seven children, ranging in age from just one month old to 7 years. What they found inside the house was truly shocking.
Terrible Living Conditions Found Inside the Home
According to police, the home was in an extremely dirty and unhealthy state. Trash was scattered all over the floors, and both feces and dirt were smeared on the walls and sink. Investigators described the conditions as “deplorable and uninhabitable.”
The two children found in the woods told officers that they were hungry and had not eaten in a long time. One of them had clear bruises on his legs, which further raised red flags for investigators.
Shocking Abuse: Locked in a Dog Crate and Beaten
During a medical evaluation at the hospital, one of the children revealed something even more horrifying. He said that when he misbehaved, his father, Jason Hoffer, would lock him inside a dog crate placed in the middle of the living room.
The child said that while locked inside, he was beaten with a metal pipe through the bars of the cage, causing painful welts and bruises on his body.
The boy eventually managed to escape from the house, which led to the police discovering the abuse and making the arrests.
When officers searched the house, they found the actual dog crate. Strangely, there were no pets in the home, making its presence even more suspicious and heartbreaking.
Arrest and Legal Action
Jason Hoffer has been charged with aggravated child abuse and child endangerment. He is currently being held at Knox County Jail with a bond set at $55,000. His wife, Amber Hoffer, was also charged with child endangerment but has since posted bond and been released.
The seven children have been removed from the home by Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services. All of them are now under protective care and receiving the help they need.
This case has shaken the local community and highlights the need for more awareness and stricter action against child abuse. The situation at the Hoffer residence was deeply troubling, both for the physical harm inflicted on the children and the dirty, unsafe environment they were forced to live in.
Fortunately, thanks to alert neighbors and quick police action, the children are now safe and the parents are facing justice. It’s a reminder that child protection should always be a top priority, and signs of abuse should never be ignored.
