BROOKVILLE, PA – In a case that has sent shockwaves through a quiet Jefferson County community, two women have been jailed, facing hundreds of charges for allegedly subjecting their adopted teenage son to months of physical and emotional torment.
Amy L. Billotte, 51, and Sarah Lynn Faber, 37, were arrested Tuesday after officials alleged that the pair orchestrated an extended campaign of mistreatment against the 16-year-old boy in their care. Each faces more than 950 criminal counts, including numerous counts of unlawful restraint, false imprisonment of a minor, and child endangerment.
The allegations surfaced after the boy appeared at his school in early September, notably gaunt and appearing significantly underweight. Staff, who hadn’t seen him in person since spring due to his virtual classes, immediately flagged authorities after noticing that he had lost about 20 pounds in just a few months.
According to investigators, the teen described being routinely confined to his sparsely furnished bedroom, monitored by security cameras that tracked his movements. The surveillance system, which included motion sensors, reportedly triggered harsh punishments for even minor movements. When teachers asked about the sudden disappearance of a formerly engaged student, few could have anticipated the details that would soon emerge.
The teen recounted a series of disturbing punitive rituals at the hands of Faber and Billotte. Punishments reportedly ranged from being taped down to the floor of the basement to being forced to stand for hours at a time. He recalled being stripped and sent into cold showers, forced to remain in the basement wearing only underwear, and being denied access to even the simplest pleasures—books, toys, or electronics.
More distressing were allegations of physical harm. The teen told authorities the women used blades to cut his arm and genitals, causing significant bleeding. On another occasion, they allegedly threatened to inject cat insulin into his eyes as a form of intimidation.
Child protective services were called in soon after the boy’s statements, swiftly removing him from the home and placing him under medical care. Professionals stated he regained the lost weight within weeks, noting a marked improvement in his health and demeanor after leaving the home.
Before the mistreatment began, the boy told authorities, his experience at the household had been positive, with Bedtime stories and normal family routines. However, as the months went on, his caregivers reportedly began restricting his diet, initially blaming sugary foods for making him “hyper.” These restrictions soon escalated to overall food deprivation, further isolating the teen and contributing to his malnourished state.
Court records indicate that the abuse occurred over the period when the teen was ages 15 to 16, leading to his weight dropping to only 79 pounds—a dangerously low number for someone his age.
Both Billotte and Faber remain in the Jefferson County Prison on $500,000 bail each. They are scheduled to appear in court again on December 19 as the investigation continues. Officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they piece together the full scope of the case.