Lebanon, Pennsylvania – January 17, 2025 – In a deeply disturbing case of child abuse, 30-year-old Chazzity Candelario has been arrested after allegedly chaining her 11-year-old son to an oil tank in the basement of their home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, while she was away at work. The shocking incident was reported to the Lebanon County Regional Police Department on Saturday evening and has sparked widespread outrage and concern for the child’s well-being.

At approximately 9:55 PM, officers responded to a call reporting a juvenile male being restrained with handcuffs at a residence on East Kercher Avenue. Upon arrival, police discovered that the boy was handcuffed to a large oil tank located in the basement of the home. The young victim appeared to have been left in this distressing and isolated condition while his mother, 30-year-old Chazzity Candelario, was away at work.

The Disturbing Discovery

When officers arrived at the scene, they were horrified to find the 11-year-old boy in handcuffs, bound to the oil tank with no immediate means of escape. Authorities immediately intervened to free the child, who was visibly upset but physically unharmed. The boy was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation and later placed in the care of child protective services.

Investigators were able to piece together the details of the incident during their interaction with Candelario. The mother, when confronted by police, reportedly admitted to restraining her son with handcuffs, explaining that she “has a hard time controlling her children while she’s away at work.” Candelario’s rationale for the abuse has raised numerous questions about her ability to care for her children and whether the boy’s treatment was part of a broader pattern of neglect or cruelty.

The police have not released specific details about the boy’s living conditions prior to the incident, but authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as child abuse. The Lebanon County Regional Police Department has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, describing the act as “inhumane and reckless.”

Charges and Arrest

Following her arrest, Chazzity Candelario was charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful restraint, and related offenses. The charges reflect the severity of the abuse and the potential long-term trauma that the child could have experienced during the incident.

Candelario was held at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility in lieu of a substantial bond, and she is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks.

“This is a heartbreaking case of a mother abusing her own child in the most callous way,” said Lebanon County District Attorney Karen D. Dandy. “We are committed to ensuring that the victim receives the support and care he needs, and we will pursue the full extent of the law in holding the defendant accountable for her actions.”

The Boy’s Condition and Family History

The 11-year-old victim has since been removed from his mother’s custody and placed in a safe, temporary foster home. Social services have been called in to assess the child’s emotional and physical needs, and authorities are continuing to investigate the home environment to determine whether other children may have been subjected to similar abuse.

Neighbors and local community members who spoke with the media expressed shock and horror at the revelation of the abuse, with some stating that they never suspected anything unusual or concerning about the family’s life. However, others reported that Candelario had previously been known to have difficulty managing her children, although no formal reports of abuse or neglect had been filed prior to this incident.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said one neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous. “I never thought something like this could happen in our neighborhood. She always seemed like a regular mom, but now we know the truth. It’s devastating.”

Investigators have indicated that they will be reviewing Candelario’s past history with child welfare services and any previous complaints or reports involving her family. While the focus remains on this specific incident, the investigation will also explore whether there have been prior patterns of neglect or abuse in the home.

Public Outrage and Calls for Reform

The shocking nature of this case has sparked outrage across the local community, with many calling for greater accountability and stronger child protection measures. Local child advocacy groups have voiced their concerns about the ease with which Candelario was able to harm her son and the lack of intervention before the incident occurred.

“This is a horrific and entirely preventable act of child abuse,” said Linda Clarke, a spokesperson for the Lebanon County Child Advocacy Center. “We urge parents who are struggling to reach out for help and support before resorting to actions that can have lasting, traumatic effects on their children.”

The case has also led to broader conversations about the pressures faced by parents, particularly single mothers, in managing childcare while working. While it is no excuse for abuse, experts note that the increasing strain on working parents in today’s society can sometimes manifest in harmful decisions.

Expert Perspectives on Child Abuse Prevention

Child abuse experts have been quick to condemn the actions of Candelario while calling for more education and support for parents facing challenges. Dr. Elizabeth Harper, a child psychologist, explained that while a parent may struggle with discipline or child management, resorting to extreme measures like handcuffing a child is never acceptable.

“Children are dependent on their parents not just for their physical needs, but for emotional support and safety,” Dr. Harper said. “Abusing a child in such a way is a failure to provide the care and protection they are entitled to. It is crucial that parents who are struggling reach out to support systems, whether it be family, friends, or professional services, before making decisions that can harm their children.”

In addition to child abuse prevention, experts are also urging local authorities to step up monitoring and intervention efforts to catch at-risk families before abuse escalates to such violent levels. Community-based programs, counseling services, and parental education initiatives are being highlighted as essential components of reducing the risk of child abuse.

Legal and Social Implications

As the legal proceedings unfold, Chazzity Candelario will face serious consequences for her actions. If convicted, she could face significant prison time and be required to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment. The case will likely be closely followed as it raises difficult questions about child welfare systems, parental responsibility, and how communities can better protect children from harm.

In the aftermath of the incident, local organizations are already discussing ways to strengthen support services for struggling parents in the community. Whether through increased resources for mental health care, more accessible childcare, or stronger monitoring of high-risk families, the goal is to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Moving Forward: A Focus on Healing and Support

As for the young boy, authorities are dedicated to ensuring that he receives the care and resources needed for emotional and physical recovery. Child welfare organizations are working closely with the boy to provide counseling and therapy services to help him cope with the trauma he experienced.

“Above all, our priority is the safety and well-being of this child,” said Lebanon County Children and Youth Services Director, Maria Steele. “We will continue to provide the support he needs as he heals from this unimaginable experience.”

As the investigation continues, police and child welfare authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the family’s situation or concerns about possible abuse to come forward. With the legal process now underway, all eyes are on the case as it unfolds in the hopes that justice will be served, and the child will be given the chance to heal and move forward in a safe and loving environment.