MASCOT, TN – A Tennessee couple has been taken into custody after authorities say they discovered seven children living in squalid conditions inside a Mascot home, following a report of young kids found alone in nearby woods.
Deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded early Tuesday morning to a call regarding two small children seen wandering by themselves in a wooded area on Clear Springs Road, just outside Knoxville. When officers arrived, they were able to determine that the children, both under the age of eight, resided in a home nearby.
Upon escorting the children back to the residence, authorities met with Jason Hoffer, 27, and Amber Hoffer, 28, who identified themselves as the parents. After further investigation, deputies learned that a total of seven children—ranging from one month to seven years old—were living in the household.
Officials reported that one of the children discovered outside had significant bruising on his leg, and both youngsters told deputies they were hungry and had not eaten recently. Deputies described the interior of the house as filthy and unsanitary, with trash scattered throughout and feces smeared on the walls and in the sink.
The children were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical assessment. During interviews with investigators, one of the older boys reportedly disclosed instances of severe abuse, stating that his father would confine him to a dog cage in the middle of the living room. According to the child, he was locked in the crate as punishment and, on occasion, beaten with a metal pole through the bars. The boy was found to have significant welts, authorities said.
Investigators say the child managed to escape from the cage and fled the residence, prompting the response from law enforcement. Inside the home, deputies located the kennel the boy described. There were no pets present in the home.
Both parents were subsequently arrested. Jason Hoffer faces charges of aggravated child abuse and child endangerment, while Amber Hoffer has been charged with child endangerment. As of Sunday, Jason Hoffer remained incarcerated at the Knox County Jail with a bond set at $55,000. Records indicate Amber Hoffer was released after posting bond.
All seven children were taken into protective custody by the Department of Children’s Services and are no longer in the care of their parents.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the reported abuse and the conditions inside the home. No trial date has been set.
Neighbors in the area expressed shock at the situation, with several noting that while they occasionally saw the children outside, they did not suspect signs of neglect or abuse.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with additional information about the family or similar cases in the community to contact their department.