Pontiac Mother Charged After Children Found Living in Apartment Without Plumbing, Surrounded by Feces and Trash

PONTIAC, MICHIGAN — A 31-year-old Pontiac woman is being held without bond after authorities say she repeatedly left her three children alone in a filthy apartment with no working plumbing, clogged sinks, and trash strewn across every room.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, Teriomas Tremice Johnson, was arraigned Tuesday on three counts of second-degree child abuse, each a 10-year felony.

Apartment Found in “Deplorable” Condition

Deputies were called to the apartment on South Francis Street after Johnson’s 12-year-old daughter reported a possible break-in. The claim turned out to be unfounded, but what officers found inside the home left them stunned.

Officials said the unit was filled with garbage, rotting food, and feces, with no working plumbing or running water. Investigators found that the children had been using a cardboard box as a toilet, and that the sinks were backed up with waste.

“The complete lack of compassion and humanity is heartbreaking,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “It defies understanding how a parent could allow children to live in such cruelty. We are eager to see justice served for this unconscionable act.”

Children Left Alone for More Than a Day

When deputies arrived, Johnson was not home. Her three children—aged 12, 9, and 9—were found alone inside with three cats. They told deputies they had not seen their mother since the previous day.

Officers later located Johnson in Ann Arbor, roughly 40 miles away. She was taken into custody about three hours later and transported back to Oakland County.

Violent Outburst During Court Hearing

At her initial court hearing, Magistrate Angelena Thomas-Scruggs initially granted Johnson a $250,000 cash bond, but the arrangement quickly escalated. Johnson reportedly threw a chair and shouted profanities at the magistrate during her Zoom arraignment.

The judge immediately rescinded the bond and ordered Johnson to be held without release.

Ongoing History of Neglect and Abuse

Court records show Johnson is currently serving 36 months’ probation for a previous child abuse conviction out of Rochester Hills, where she fled police with two children in the car. She also has prior convictions for retail fraud and fleeing and eluding police.

Officials from Child Protective Services have placed each of Johnson’s children with their biological fathers.

Investigators confirmed the children were enrolled in school but had poor attendance and often appeared unkempt.

A Disturbing Trend in Pontiac

Authorities noted that this is the second major case this year involving severe neglect by a Pontiac mother. In an earlier case, Kellie Marie Bryant, 34, was charged with first-degree child abuse after leaving her three children to live in squalor, surviving only on weekly food donations.

Both cases have intensified calls for stronger oversight of at-risk families and earlier interventions for children living in unsafe environments.

Community Calls for Justice

Sheriff Bouchard emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children. “These kids deserved care, safety, and love,” he said. “Instead, they were abandoned in conditions no human being should endure.”

Johnson remains held in Oakland County Jail without bond as she awaits trial.

If you suspect child neglect or abuse in your community, authorities urge you to contact the Michigan Child Protective Services Hotline at 1-855-444-3911.