Two women from Pennsylvania, identified as Stacey Ann Louder, 52, and her daughter Amanda Lynn Gregorio, 35, have been arrested on charges of severe child abuse. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, is the daughter and granddaughter of the accused, respectively. The arrests were made on Monday, following an investigation that commenced in September 2024.
The investigation was triggered when the girl was admitted to a hospital for symptoms resembling seizures. During the hospital visit, Gregorio reportedly confessed to administering 50 mg of Benadryl and 60 mg of melatonin to the girl prior to the onset of her symptoms. This revelation prompted further investigation into the child’s living conditions.
Medical professionals who attended to the girl during her hospital stay raised concerns about potential abuse, citing visible signs of injuries such as bruises and scars. These injuries were reportedly consistent with being restrained to a bed. When questioned by the police, the girl confirmed that she was often tied to her bed, an experience she described as painful and anger-inducing. She also revealed that she was forced to relieve herself while restrained, often for extended periods.
The investigation further revealed that Louder and Gregorio had installed surveillance cameras in the girl’s room to prevent her from escaping. The abuse also reportedly included forcing the girl to consume cat food, a fact that Gregorio admitted to a witness over a phone call. The witness also claimed that Gregorio expressed her dislike for restraining her daughter but felt compelled to do so by her mother, Louder.
The girl’s weight had reportedly plummeted to 50 lbs due to the abuse. Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce condemned the incident, stating that the abuse was an affront to every mother, grandmother, and respectable person. He expressed his dismay that the very people the child should have been able to trust were her tormentors.
Louder and Gregorio face multiple charges, including aggravated assault of a victim under 13, conspiracy, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, and tampering with evidence. They are currently held on a $125,000 cash bail at Luzerne County Correctional Facility and are scheduled to appear in court on May 6.