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Mom Abandoned Kids for Years, Gets 30 Years
1 Sep
Summary
- Mother sentenced to 6-30 years for abandoning children.
- Children found alone in filthy home with trash and feces.
- Parental rights terminated; mother faces prison for abuse.
Kelli Bryant, 35, received a sentence of six to 30 years on September 1, 2026, for first-degree child abuse after abandoning her three children. The children, aged 12, 13, and 15 when found in February 2025, were discovered living alone in a Pontiac home. Their mother had not resided with them for years, leaving them in deplorable conditions.
The home was described as a biohazard, with garbage piled high and evidence of human waste. The children were found in soiled clothing and had significant hygiene issues. Bryant's parental rights were terminated in April 2026, with a judge noting her callous disregard for the children's welfare and inability to provide a safe environment. She also received probation for welfare fraud.
Bryant's attorney argued that a past sexual assault contributed to her mental state and inability to care for the children. However, the judge highlighted that Bryant actively removed safety nets by lying about the children's whereabouts and removing them from school. The children's plea agreement spared them from testifying.
