A Florida woman allegedly neglected five children in her care, forcing them to use buckets for bodily needs. According to police, she ensured her own children had sufficient food while the others suffered.
The Fort Pierce Police Department reported that 59-year-old Gwendolyn Dennis Roll assumed custody of the children after their father left. The children ranged from 4 to 9 years old, with two being nonverbal.
WPEC-TV mentioned that an anonymous tip alerted authorities to the grim conditions in the home.
Allegedly, Roll confined the children away from the master suite of her house and prevented access to the only functional bathroom. The other bathroom was in such disarray that the children had to relieve themselves in a turquoise bucket, which neighbors claimed to have seen them emptying.
With no proper shower available, they had to wash outside with a garden hose, trying to cover themselves with bed sheets for privacy.
Police described how Roll starved these children while providing fast food for her own. They were compelled to split a single bag of ramen or go to bed without eating.
School officials noted one child emitted such a strong fecal odor that a teacher had to use air freshener in the classroom. Additionally, the school provided perfume to help the children avoid bullying due to their smell.
Reports indicate Roll regularly abused the children, slapping them and using derogatory names.
One nonverbal child was kept home from school to conceal bruises, according to police accounts.
Authorities further indicated that Roll threatened her children while standing on her porch, claiming she would “get him if he leaves.”
Concerns from neighbors prevented them from reporting the abuse sooner, largely due to Roll’s role as a pastor in the community.
Although she was not seriously hurt, Roll faced five counts of felony child neglect.
WPEC added that Roll was later released on bond, but no one responded when a reporter visited her residence.
