MASCOT, TN – Authorities arrested a couple after discovering their seven children had been living in conditions described by investigators as severely neglectful and unsafe at a residence just east of Knoxville.
Jason Hoffer, 27, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse and child endangerment. His wife, Amber Hoffer, 28, is also charged with child endangerment, according to officials with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
The case began unfolding around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, when deputies responded to reports of two small children seen alone in a wooded area near the 3000 block of Clear Springs Road. Upon locating the children, authorities determined they lived nearby and escorted them back to their home, where they met the Hoffers.
Inside the home, deputies learned that seven children—ranging in age from one month to 7 years—had been residing there. The two children found outside reportedly told deputies they were hungry and hadn’t eaten in some time; one child exhibited significant bruising on his leg.
Investigators obtained a warrant to search the property and described the living conditions as “deplorable and uninhabitable.” Reports from deputies at the scene noted trash strewn across floors and both human and animal waste smeared on walls and sinks.
All seven children were taken to a hospital for medical assessment. Hospital staff and investigators soon learned disturbing details about their treatment at home. One boy recounted that his father regularly forced him into a dog kennel in the living room, locking him inside and allegedly beating him with a metal pole if he misbehaved, leading to severe welts. Officials said this boy’s escape was what led neighbors to notice the children outdoors and contact authorities.
When police searched the home, they located the described dog crate. Investigators confirmed that the Hoffers did not own any pets.
Following the discovery and ongoing investigation, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services intervened and removed all seven children from the residence for their safety.
Jason Hoffer remains held at the Knox County Jail with bond set at $55,000. Amber Hoffer has since been released on bond. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details on the children’s current condition or future placement.