Nebraska Couple Accused of Abuse After 4 Children Found With Sores, Bug Bites and Matted Hair

A couple in Nebraska has been arrested after police allegedly found four children, all under the age of 4, living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, according to authorities.

Around 9 p.m. on Oct. 3, police responded to a Grand Island apartment complex after receiving a report about suspected child abuse, according to the Grand Island Police Department.

At the scene, officers spoke with Daniel Fontaine and Amanda Wolfe. Police said a “foul odor could be smelled” emanating from the couple and their home.

Officers searched the apartment and located the couple's four children — a 3-year-old boy, 2-year-old girl, 1-year-old boy, and a newborn girl. All were suffering from diaper rashes, sores and possible bug bites, officials said.

According to police, Fontaine and Wolfe allegedly deprived the children of proper food, clothing and care. They said the couple “intentionally and knowingly cruelly” confined the children to their care seats, strollers or playpens.

KSNB-TV reported that the children were allegedly restrained for extended periods of time. The children’s hair also appeared to be matted and one of the children was found in a playpen with rotting food and trash, according to the station.

The refrigerator and freezer were full of moldy food and bugs, court records state, and the home had cockroaches as well as animal and human feces on the bathroom floor.

The newborn girl, who reportedly appeared to be small for her age, was discovered to weigh only 9 pounds, according to KSNB-TV.

Fontaine and Wolfe were arrested. Fontaine was charged with four counts of intentional child abuse, two counts of resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer. Wolfe faces four counts of child abuse.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services took all four children into custody on a 48-hour hold, officials said.

In July 2022, authorities reportedly confronted the couple about the unsafe conditions in the family's home and the three older children were temporarily removed at the time.