Corry, PA — Ryan Saxman, 24, and Trinity Thomas, 22, are facing serious legal charges after being accused of endangering the welfare of their two young children. Both parents were taken into custody on September 18 and are currently held at Erie County Prison on a $50,000 bond.
The Hospital Visit and Concerns Raised
The allegations came to light when the Erie County Office of Children and Youth expressed concerns regarding the health and welfare of Saxman and Thomas’s children, aged two years and 10 months. Following these concerns, the children were taken to LECOM Health Corry Memorial Hospital.
Upon their arrival, medical staff noted that the children were extremely underweight and malnourished. Due to the severity of their conditions, they were transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for further medical treatment on August 15.
Parents’ Claims of Adequate Care
In a police interview, Saxman asserted that he and Thomas were adequately caring for their children. He claimed to receive $900 per month in food stamps and food from the Corry Area Food Pantry, insisting that they had plenty of food at home.
Saxman stated, “We have no problems feeding the children,” and he indicated that the stamps were being used to purchase formula for the younger child. He further emphasized that both children were not experiencing any medical issues, had good appetites, and were not fussy eaters. Additionally, he mentioned that neither he nor Thomas consume alcohol or illegal drugs, insisting that their home was free from such substances.
Medical Findings and Expert Opinions
Dr. Hannah Sahud from the Child Advocacy Division at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital examined both children and concluded that the infant was suffering from “failure to thrive,” severe malnutrition, and developmental delays. The report highlighted that the 10-month-old child weighed only 7.87 pounds—similar to the weight of a newborn—despite being born at a normal birth weight of 6.72 pounds.
Sahud stated, “It is difficult to articulate how profoundly [the child] is below weight, and represents severe physical neglect.” The doctor further asserted that there was no medical or organic explanation for the infant’s condition, attributing it solely to a lack of adequate nutrition.
A similar report was issued for the older child, who, at almost two years old, weighed only 18.4 pounds—equivalent to that of an 8.5-month-old child. This child had also tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines following a urine drug test conducted on August 19, with no legitimate explanation for the results.
Medical History Raises Alarm
Investigations revealed that the older child had not been seen by a physician since February 22, 2023, when they were four months old. Meanwhile, the younger child had their last medical appointment on October 23, 2023, just days after birth. This lack of medical oversight raised additional red flags regarding the children’s well-being.
Police Investigation and Evidence Gathered
On September 12, Corry City Police obtained a search warrant for the couple’s residence on Chord Road. The warrant was executed on September 13, during which Saxman voluntarily handed over suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia to police officers. He claimed that both he and Thomas were no longer using drugs, stating that the items were remnants from a past period of drug use.
The search of the apartment revealed a substantial amount of food, seemingly contradicting Saxman’s earlier claims about their inability to care for the children. Despite the presence of food, the allegations of neglect and inadequate medical care remain serious.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Saxman and Thomas are now facing multiple felony counts of endangering the welfare of their children, aggravated assault, and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. A preliminary hearing for both parents is scheduled for 11 a.m. on September 30 before District Judge Denise Buell.
The case highlights significant concerns about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents in providing adequate care and nutrition. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains on alert regarding the welfare of vulnerable children.
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