An East Freedom trio has been arrested in a child welfare case where five children, along with several pets, were found living in what has been described as deplorable conditions. Charged were the parents, Zoe and Dominic Zungali, both 31-years-old, and an aunt, 18-year-old Gillian Bem. According to criminal complaints police were called to East Freedom last Friday after a witness found a 7-year-old child wandering the street, without shoes, and covered in urine. Once police arrived they discovered four children inside an East Freedom home, zip-tied to cages, allegedly confined up to 20 hours a day. Police also reported that numerous pets in the home were also neglected. The criminal complaints add that the home was in deplorable condition, with no running water, and animal feces found throughout the home. Of the five children, one was sent to UPMC’s Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh because of a reported distended abdomen, and purple legs and feet. The children have been placed in the care of Children and Youth Services, and the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society removed two cats, a small dog, and a rabbit, all allegedly found with no food or water, lying in their own waste. The Zungalis and Bem have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, false imprisonment, cruelty to animals, and other counts. All three are in the Blair County Prison in lieu of bail. They are to face preliminary hearings on July 31st.
Thursday 12th February 2026
