Pennsylvania Mother Charged After Daughter's Teeth Decay
A mother in Scranton, Pennsylvania, faces charges of child endangerment after her seven-year-old daughter's teeth decayed so severely she could not eat solid food.
A Pennsylvania mother has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after authorities responded to concerns about her daughter's well-being, according to a criminal complaint. Maria Lopez-Paz, 39, was arrested after police were called to her Scranton home in September due to reports of a child not being fed and suspected drug use.
Authorities were informed by a county Office of Youth and Family Services case manager that the seven-year-old girl was not attending school because she was unvaccinated. During an emergency interview and medical assessment at the Children's Advocacy Center, the child told officers that she experienced pain constantly, except when she was sleeping. She also reported that the home was infested with cockroaches, rats, and other bugs. According to the complaint, the child stated she drank milk when hungry and has since been placed in the custody of the Office of Youth and Family Services.
Caseworkers took the child to a dentist four days after the initial incident. Dental staff determined the child had never received any dental care, suffering from 10 cavities and significant decay, necessitating multiple extractions and procedures. Investigators found that the child had not seen a doctor since 2024.
Maz is being held in Lackawanna County Prison on $200,000 bail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 14. It is unclear whether she has an attorney.