Newberry Township, Pennsylvania — Three members of the same family are facing a long list of felony charges after authorities say multiple children were subjected to prolonged confinement, medical neglect and what a physician described as “child torture.”
Police in Newberry Township announced the arrests of Ashley Cardona, 31, her mother Lori Cardona, 53, and her brother Michael Cardona, 29, following a months-long investigation that began in March 2024.
Prosecutors allege the children — ages 5, 6 and 10 at the time — endured years of abuse and extreme neglect inside a home on Cassel Road.
Children Allegedly Confined for 20 Hours or More Daily
According to charging documents, one child was forced to live inside a modified “crib cage” structure for nearly 24 hours a day, while another child was allegedly restrained in a car seat for approximately 20 hours per day.
Investigators said the homemade cage was constructed by stacking cribs together and securing them with ratchet straps, zip ties and locking mechanisms.
A physician with Penn State Health’s Child Protective Team determined that the totality of the circumstances met the definition of child torture, describing it as a “longitudinal pattern of physical abuse combined with two or more forms of psychological maltreatment.”
Detectives who executed a search warrant inside the residence reported finding the structure in the living room. The interior allegedly reeked of urine, and rails were covered in feces.
Police say food was sometimes passed to one child through the slats of the structure.
Medical and Developmental Concerns
Authorities allege the children had not left the home in approximately two years and had not received routine medical or dental care since 2019.
One child reportedly had 14 cavities and severe dental decay. Another child was described as malnourished.
Medical professionals expressed concerns about:
- Developmental delays
- Limited mobility and restricted neck movement
- Musculoskeletal issues linked to prolonged restraint
- Signs of physical abuse and neglect
Investigators also reported finding no toothbrushes or toothpaste inside the home.
Charges Filed
Ashley Cardona faces multiple counts including:
- Aggravated assault
- False imprisonment
- Unlawful restraint
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Criminal conspiracy
Lori Cardona and Michael Cardona are also charged with aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, child endangerment and conspiracy.
All three defendants are being held at York County Prison on $250,000 bail.
Investigation Timeline
Police said the investigation began after two children were taken to York Hospital in March 2024. Authorities later removed a third child from the home.
Officials stated that because the children were already safe, investigators took additional time to gather evidence before filing charges.
“It was a lot of information to obtain and a lot of information to digest,” York County District Attorney Tim Barker said.
As of July 2025, the children have reportedly been placed together with a family in York.
The case remains active as prosecutors move forward.
What are your thoughts on this case and how child protection systems can prevent prolonged abuse? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
