N.J. teen held captive in a dog crate, abused for 7 years, police say

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5:26 pm

New Jersey Teen Escapes Years of Captivity, Abuse: Couple Charged

A harrowing case of alleged abuse and captivity has unfolded in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, where a teenager endured years of horrific treatment. Brenda Spencer, 38, and Branndon Mosley, 41, face multiple charges stemming from the alleged kidnapping, confinement, and abuse of an 18-year-old girl.

Authorities were alerted on Saturday after the victim, who had escaped her home two days prior, sought help from a neighbor. The girl reported being held captive for seven years, starting when Spencer withdrew her from school in 2018, when she was in the sixth grade. During her confinement, the victim was allegedly forced to live in a dog crate for a year and later in a padlocked bathroom with a bucket for a toilet. The room was equipped with an alarm system to prevent escape.

The victim reported being physically beaten with a belt and sexually abused by Mosley. Investigators who searched the home found the conditions to be squalid, with the victim living alongside several dogs, chinchillas, and other animals. They also discovered a 13-year-old girl, also removed from school years earlier by Spencer, who was allegedly homeschooled.

Spencer is charged with first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal restraint, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and weapons offenses. Mosley faces charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Mosley worked as a train conductor for SEPTA. Both are currently held at the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. No attorneys were listed in court records as of Wednesday.

BNN's Perspective: This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in our communities. While the details are disturbing, it's crucial to allow the legal process to unfold and ensure justice is served. The focus should be on the victim's recovery and the safety of any other potential victims.

Keywords: New Jersey, Gloucester Township, kidnapping, child abuse, sexual assault, captivity, dog crate, Brenda Spencer, Branndon Mosley, Camden County, police, investigation, escape, abuse, teenager, confinement, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal restraint, aggravated assault, SEPTA, detention hearing.

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