Camden County prosecutors on Thursday unveiled disturbing new details about the alleged long-term abuse of a daughter by her parents, describing a South Jersey home they called a “house of horrors.” Prosecutors said Brenda Spencer, 38, and Brad Moseley, 41, forced the girl into confinement, deprived her of basic hygiene and assaulted her for years before she escaped and reported the abuse.
Prosecutors allege the mistreatment began in 2018, when Spencer removed the girl from school and told authorities she would homeschool her. The teen, now 18, told investigators she was held in a padlocked bathroom and at times chained by her wrists and ankles. She said she was forced to live in a dog crate intended for the family’s Great Danes for roughly a year, was made to eat from a popcorn bucket, and was not permitted to bathe. Prosecutors also say the girl was beaten with a belt, had her head shaved and was sexually abused by her stepfather.
The teen told police the house was rigged with an alarm system that would alert her parents if she tried to leave and that she was let out only when visitors arrived. When officers entered the home, they said the living conditions were squalid and described the scene as "despicable." The girl was reportedly surrounded by several animals, including dogs and chinchillas.
A younger sister, 14, also lived in the residence and had been similarly withdrawn from school, prosecutors said. Authorities told reporters the younger child did not appear to have been subjected to the same abuse; prosecutors said the parents kept her at home to prevent her from exposing her sister.
Spencer and Moseley were arrested in May and were arraigned separately on Sept. 8. Both defendants were represented by counsel, and their attorneys entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. Assistant Prosecutor Rachael Manardi said plea deal proposals were presented to the defense during the arraignment; Spencer’s lawyer said it was too early to discuss such offers and added, "This is where the game begins, if you will." A next court date is scheduled for Oct. 7.
Prosecutors said Moseley told investigators that, because of heavy drinking, he "couldn't recall" committing the sexual assaults but acknowledged it might have been possible. Camden County officials said both daughters are now in safe locations.
If convicted on the counts outlined by prosecutors, Spencer faces as much as 30 years in prison and Moseley faces potential life sentences, according to the prosecutor’s office. The investigation and any pending charges remain active as the case proceeds through the Camden County Superior Court.
The case has highlighted questions about oversight of children withdrawn from public schools for homeschooling, a subject of ongoing discussion among lawmakers and child welfare officials, and is likely to draw continued attention as court proceedings move forward.