In a deeply troubling case out of Michigan, authorities have charged a local mother with child abuse after discovering appalling conditions within her residence. The unsettling situation came to light in Pontiac, where Teriomas Johnson, aged 31, was apprehended following a police investigation initiated by a distress call from her own daughter.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident unfolded when Johnson’s 12-year-old daughter dialed 911 on November 7th, fearing a break-in at their home. Officers who responded to the call were met with a distressing scene: Johnson’s three children, aged 12 and 9, were found alone alongside three cats, with no trace of their mother present.

The state of the home shocked the officers. Described as “deplorable,” the apartment was overwhelmed with decay and filth. Rotten food, along with human and animal waste, littered the premises. The plumbing was non-functional, with clogged sinks and a makeshift toilet using a cardboard box, painting a tragic picture of neglect and squalor.

As authorities delved deeper into the situation, they discovered that Johnson was in Ann Arbor, approximately 54 miles from Pontiac. The sheriff’s office indicated that she returned to the home after a three-hour delay following her discovery. Her absence was confirmed by her children, who revealed they had not seen her since the previous day.

Johnson now faces serious charges of child abuse, raising grave concerns about the welfare and safety of her children. This case underscores the crucial need for vigilance and intervention in situations where children might be at risk. The community and relevant authorities remain focused on ensuring the well-being of the young ones involved.

Further investigation led police to believe that Johnson “frequently” left her children home without any adult supervision. Police also said that while the children were all enrolled in school, their attendance was “sporadic.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in the press release, “The complete lack of compassion and humanity is heartbreaking, and I am eager to see justice served for this unconscionable act.”

Johnson was taken into custody and appeared for an arraignment via Zoom. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office stated that her bond was originally set at $250,000, but after Johnson “threw a chair and yelled an expletive at the magistrate,” she was ordered to be held without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 25.