MOUNT PLEASANT, PA — A grandmother and mother in Mount Pleasant are facing a slew of charges after allegedly abusing a 10-year-old child in their care, according to Mount Pleasant Police. Authorities say Elma Ritenour, 68, and Mary Shroyer, 48, subjected the child to ongoing physical abuse, food deprivation, and extreme punishments over a prolonged period.
Key Points
- Elma Ritenour, 68, and Mary Shroyer, 48, charged with aggravated assault and child endangerment
- Child allegedly denied food, hygiene access, and was beaten as punishment
- Victim told to lie to investigators, reported fearing to return home
Police were alerted through a ChildLine report alleging that the child was physically harmed, denied medications, and not fed regularly. A mandated reporter notified authorities after the child revealed fear of returning home due to ongoing abuse by Ritenour and Shroyer.
During a forensic interview, the child initially withheld the truth, allegedly under instruction from the two women. Subsequent interviews revealed claims that the child was allowed to shower only once a week, denied access to food and bathroom privileges, and forced to sleep on the floor without blankets.
The reporter who made the initial claim told investigators they observed visible bruises and bed bug bites on the child. Medical records showed the child was diagnosed with a concussion in December, allegedly caused by physical strikes from both Ritenour and Shroyer.
Investigators say the child described being forced to stand in a corner for three days as a punishment, with threats of beatings if they sat or slept. “They said they would be beaten with a belt or struck in the head if caught,” police records state.
The child also said they were rarely fed outside of meals provided at school. Officials stated the abuse had been ongoing and the child was visibly distressed and malnourished at the time of the report.
Ritenour and Shroyer were arraigned and released on $25,000 unsecured bail. They are facing charges including aggravated assault of a victim under 13, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.