The parents of seven children who were active on TikTok were convicted and sentenced to prison in Pennsylvania on August 20. They had pleaded guilty to neglecting their malnourished children while giving better treatment to their caged animals.
Shane Robertson, 48, and Crystal Robertson, 38, were sentenced to eight to 16 years in state prison for charges of felony child endangerment and animal neglect. The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office reported that the couple had also been accused of assault in the case.
Parents were also informed that they were prohibited from contacting their children, who were between the ages of four and 16, until their offspring reached the age of 18.
In April 2023, the Pennridge Regional Police Department was informed of two girls who were seen entering an abandoned trailer at their home in the Green Top Trailer Park in Sellersville and taking items.
After reaching the location, officials discovered that there were seven children, consisting of six girls and one boy, living in unhygienic surroundings with animals and their parents. It was later verified that the children were suffering from severe malnutrition and most of them were ill and had not received any formal education.
“Investigators reported at the time that during the following week, it came to light that none of the seven children had received a formal education and lacked fundamental knowledge. A few of the children were not even aware of their own birthdates. Additionally, four of the children were struggling with speech impediments.”
Each of the children experienced difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling. Additionally, they all displayed signs of social anxiety and expressed discomfort with being in public or around others.
According to documents, the investigation also revealed that the home contained two dogs, two turtles, two rabbits, snakes, toads, and a four-foot reptile known as a Tegu, in addition to approximately twenty-four rats.
In the courtroom, the prosecution emphasized that Crystal Robertson had created a TikTok account for her Tegu lizard, named Boudin, and that she had posted videos of herself feeding the reptile “chunks of salmon”while her children were neglected.
Despite the Robertsons’ locked up refrigerator and the evident malnourishment of their children, authorities claimed that the family treated their animals better than their offspring. This sentiment was echoed by Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller, who referred to the Robertsons as “two of the most neglectful parents I have ever encountered.”
The Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services continue to have custody of the children, while the animals have been handed over to the Bucks County SPCA.
The prosecutor informed the judge that since being taken out of the home, the children have exhibited signs of thriving. They have improved their health, developed friendships, and have been attending school regularly.
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