Thursday, May 18, 2017

Police Find Three Children Left Alone in Home, One Locked in Cage

Police and county authorities find a disturbing incident of child endangerment on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, members from Pennsylvania State Police - Schuylkill Haven responded 316 Chestnut St., North Manheim Township, near Cressona along with a representative from Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services to check the welfare of three children.

The Troopers knocked on the door of the residence with no response.

Troopers made entry into the residence and discovered the children just inside the front door.

Police found 22-month-old male child that was locked inside a homemade cage that was constructed from plywood and lattice and it had a door on it which was locked from the outside.

They also found a 1 year old boy that was in a play pen and a 1 day old baby girl restrained in a car seat.

The baby girl was transported via ambulance to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Hospital for evaluation.

All the children were taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and then custody transferred to Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services.

Police say Cecil Eugene Kutz, 37, of Pottsville returned to the residence and was placed into custody by PSP Schuylkill Haven members.

Kutz, was charged with 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children and 3 counts of Reckless Endangering Another person.

Kutz was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $250,000.00 straight bail.

Photo of Kutz