PONTIAC, Mich. – An Oakland County mother has pleaded no contest to child abuse after reportedly leaving her young children in “deplorable conditions.”
According to authorities, the three young children were left unattended in an apartment littered with rotten food and human and animal waste.
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Local 4 has chosen not to publish photos of the apartment.
The investigation into 31-year-old Teriomas Tremice Johnson began in November 2025 after an alleged break-in at a Pontiac apartment was reported by a 12-year-old girl.
Responding officers reportedly did not find evidence of a break-in, but found the home in deplorable condition.
Police said the mother was not present and that three children -- the 12-year-old and two 9-year-olds -- were living with three cats, clogged sinks, and inoperable plumbing, causing them to use a cardboard box as a makeshift toilet.
The children said they hadn’t seen their mom since the day prior.
The three were enrolled in school, but authorities said their attendance was inconsistent.
Child Protective Services placed the children with family members.
Johnson was taken into custody shortly after and charged with three counts of second-degree child abuse.
Authorities said she was on probation after being convicted of retail fraud, fleeing and eluding, and fourth-degree child abuse after allegedly fleeing from police with two of her children in the car.
After she reportedly threw a chair and cursed at the magistrate, Johnson was ordered to be held without bond.
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Johnson pleaded no contest to the three charges. She is expected to be sentenced April 14.