A disturbing case of child neglect is under investigation in North East Township.

State police say a naked, filthy five-year-old boy was found wandering in the road—nonverbal and unable to tell troopers anything.

He was taken to the police station, fed, and clothed. An hour and a half later, his mother, 30-year-old Elizabeth Pohl, called to report him missing.

She claimed she and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Samuel Bartlebaugh, had been asleep.

Two other children, also found nude and dirty, were living in a locked room filled with feces and a strong smell of urine.

All three kids were removed from the home after a home visit by the fire department, the Office of Children and Youth, and State Police.

Pohl and Bartlebaugh are in Erie County Prison, facing multiple charges including child endangerment.