Trenton Mother Accused Of Tying 8-Year-Old Daughter Up, Causing Serious Injuries

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Sheriff's detectives who came to a New Jersey couple's home were stunned by the deplorable conditions they saw when they were greeted at the door. But that was nothing compared to the revelations that were to come.

The authorities had come to the home on South Logan Street to take 33-year-old Plesie Nichols to family court - no word yet on why she was expected there. As they stood at the front door, they could tell things weren't right inside. But they needed a court order to do more.

When they got to court, they reported unsanitary conditions they observed at the door to the judge, who dispatched Division of Youth and Family Services - and the detectives - back to the home.

Mercer County Sheriff's Officer William Osterman said when detectives returned to the home again, the full scope of the situation became clear. There was a powerful smell of urine throughout the home, and food was left out to rot. Rodent feces covered the floor, a dead rat was spotted, as well as a live one.

As the detectives were moving through the home, Nichols' 8-year-old daughter approached them, and they noticed scarring on her arm. The girl told the detectives her mother tied her up and beat her.

"Please take me away from her," the girl said.

When the detectives asked who she meant, she replied "My mom."

"It makes me sick to think that parents would allow their children to live in these deplorable conditions," Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler said.

At the hospital, the full extent of the injuries were revealed: open sores on the girl's forearm, a result of allegedly being tied to a banister and doorknobs.

"No-one deserves to be treated like that, especially your own flesh and blood," Osterman said.

The 8-year-old was sent to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Her three younger siblings, who were 5 years old and younger, were removed from the home.

Nichols and her live-in boyfriend Anthony Roberson, 28, have been charged with aggravated assault and endangerment. They face weapons charges as well, referring to the rope that allegedly tied the girl up.

A judge set bail at $150,000.