SD was the primary abuser and she pleaded guilty to all of the charges against her.
DA Graf has been in contact with the 5 children. She said they’re all handling their trauma in different ways, but LD in particular is struggling, and is suffering from a great deal of psychological issues.
She said because the children were so abused, it was important to give them some say in the pleas. It’s about victim empowerment, and trying to teach the children that there are adults who care for them and respect them, and to show the children they now have some control over their lives and their futures.
The children agreed that RD failed to protect them and did nothing to stop the abuse, though he did take a bigger role in it when the pandemic started and he was at home more often.
Graf said, “These are children they sought out and brought into their home. They are child victims who are wholly dependent on their abusers.”
And the reason for the abuse? It was money, DA Graf said.
She said the Duncans had applied for and received government funding to help support their five adopted children, but instead of using the money to take care of them, they spent it to support their lifestyle. As an example, at the house, DA Graf noticed a package on the counter that had come from a gourmet chocolate monthly subscription. She asked the children if they ever had the chocolate for a treat, and they told her that all of the treats like chocolate and ice cream were for the “parents”, while they were rationed out their food and water. She said that’s a very small example of the control and abuse.
‘Horrific’ abuse against 5 children leads to guilty plea from Pa. adoptive mother
