In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, five children have been rescued from a makeshift dungeon in a padlocked basement in Missouri, USA.
Police made the horrific discovery during a welfare check at a property in Columbia, Boone County. The children, whose ages have not been disclosed, were found living in squalid and unsafe conditions, locked away from the rest of the house.
A Deliberate Prison
Authorities reported that the entrance to the basement had been deliberately modified to function as a prison. A padlock was installed on the outside of the door, preventing those inside from leaving. The space was described as filthy and utterly unfit for human habitation.
Charges Laid
Following the rescue, three adults connected to the property were taken into custody and now face serious charges.
- Dustin B. Hoffman, 34: Charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
- Amanda L. Huffman, 34: Also charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
- Benjamin C. Hoffman, 31: Charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.
The possession of child pornography charge against Benjamin Hoffman indicates the investigation has widened beyond the initial neglect allegations.
Ongoing Investigation
The Boone County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that their investigation is ongoing. The children are now in the care of child services, receiving the necessary support and medical attention. The community and authorities alike are grappling with the severity of the neglect, described as one of the worst cases they have encountered.
