A New Jersey couple has been arrested and face multiple charges after allegedly subjecting a teenage girl to years of horrific abuse, including forcing her to live in a dog crate for approximately a year.
Brenda Spencer, 38, and Branndon Mosley, 41, were taken into custody, the Camden County Prosecuting Attorney and Gloucester Township Police Department announced in a joint statement on Tuesday, May 14th.
Spencer and Mosley are each charged with one count of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree conspiracy to commit kidnapping, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree criminal restraint, third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child — abuse/neglect.
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Mosley faces additional, more severe charges, including two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child — sexual contact.
The investigation was initiated on May 10th after an 18-year-old girl reported to authorities that she had been held captive and sexually abused in her home. According to the victim’s account, in 2018, Spencer, identified by NBC News as the girl’s mother, pulled her out of school and confined her to the residence.
The victim detailed a shocking period of approximately one year during which she was allegedly “forced to live in a dog crate” and only allowed out periodically. Authorities also indicated that a 13-year-old girl had been removed from school around the same time.
The abuse reportedly escalated after this period. The victim stated that Spencer and Mosley, identified as her stepfather, allegedly chained her up and locked her in a bathroom, which was secured with a padlock. She was reportedly only released when other family members visited the home. When not confined to the bathroom, the victim was allegedly kept in a bare room containing only a bucket for use as a toilet.
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Adding to the disturbing allegations, the victim reported an alarm system was in place to alert Spencer and Mosley if she attempted to escape. She also claimed they physically assaulted her with a belt, and that Mosley sexually abused her.
On May 8th, the victim bravely escaped the residence and sought help from a neighbor, who subsequently contacted law enforcement.
Following the victim’s account, detectives obtained a search warrant for the home. The statement revealed the grim conditions they discovered, stating that “the victim was subjected to living in squalid conditions alongside numerous dogs, chinchillas, and other animals.”
Authorities confirmed that Spencer is unemployed, while Mosley worked as a conductor for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
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Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins expressed his profound dismay, calling it “one of the most despicable cases we’ve run across.”
Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay emphasized the long-lasting impact of such abuse, stating, “Anyone who’s been confined for a period of seven years, held in these conditions, living in squalid filth, is going to be damaged, psychologically, physically, emotionally, mentally…” She also stressed the importance of victim confidentiality in cases involving child endangerment, abuse, and sexual assault.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Spencer and Mosley are currently in custody, and the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
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