Police: ‘Neglected, hungry' children found unattended in Allegheny Township

ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Investigators in Allegheny Township said a neglected and hungry 6-year-old was found wandering alone Tuesday, while the child’s mother was “passed out.”

According to police, the child was found walking alone in the Sandalwood Housing Complex.

The criminal complaint stated that Rikki Hoessler and her boyfriend, Eugene Smorey II, were passed out inside an apartment and appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Police said the 6-year-old was not harmed. Officials said a 1-year-old was left unattended inside the apartment, in the same room as a marijuana pipe and hypodermic needles.

“They weren’t harmed but they appeared neglected. They were hungry. Their clothing was not appropriate for that time of day. They were in need of care,” said Allegheny Township police Chief John Fontaine.

Investigators said the children were placed in foster care. Hoessler is facing reckeless endangerment and drug charges.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this type of thing. There’s a lot of small children out there who are very precious to people. Just to see them wander off and neglected like that is heartbreaking,” said Fontaine.

Smorey is facing trespassing charges. He and Hoessler remain in the Westmoreland County Jail.

WPXI