A mother in Pennsylvania has been arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, false imprisonment, and unlawful restraint after allegedly handcuffing her 11-year-old son to an oil tank in their home. The incident, which took place on Saturday, Jan. 11 at approximately 9:55 p.m. local time, led to the arrest of 33-year-old Chazzity Candelario by the Lebanon County Regional Police Department (LCRPD). The police received reports of a juvenile male being restrained at the residence on 680 East Kercher Avenue in the city of Lebanon.
According to a police report, an investigation revealed that Candelario had used handcuffs to restrain her son to an oil tank in the basement. The arrest was made on Monday, Jan. 13, following the initial report. Candelario admitted to struggling to control her children while she was away at work, as stated in the criminal complaint. The police discovered that the child had been handcuffed both to the oil tank and the railing of a top bunk bed on separate occasions.
Further details from the complaint disclosed that the child had been confined to a small 3×8 utility room and tied to the oil tank by his mother for extended periods. Reports indicated that the boy had managed to free himself from the restraints in some instances before inadvertently handcuffing himself to the bed. The suspect would allegedly keep the child tethered to the oil tank for up to two hours at a time in the basement.
Chazzity Candelario is currently being held in Lebanon County Prison with bail set at $100,000, as confirmed by court records. The Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office did not provide immediate comments when contacted for additional information. The Lebanon County Regional Police Department declined to offer further details on the case.
The disturbing incident has brought attention to issues of child welfare and parental responsibility. Concerns have been raised about the treatment and care of children while their parents are away, particularly in cases where adequate supervision and support may be lacking. The impact of such neglectful behavior on the emotional and psychological well-being of a child can be severe and long-lasting.
Instances of child abuse and neglect underscore the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. The collaboration between concerned individuals, law enforcement agencies, and child protective services is crucial in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals, especially children who may be at risk of harm.
The case involving Chazzity Candelario serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention in situations where children are subjected to neglect or abuse. It is imperative for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring their safety and well-being are prioritized above all else.
