Bishop Accused of Locking Child in Shed: Delaware County Criminal Defense Attorney Enrique Latoison Weighs In

After a Pennsylvania couple allegedly confined a child to a backyard shed with no plumbing, forcing him to drink from a garden hose and fend for himself, the public was outraged — and for good reason. The case has drawn national attention not just for the appalling details, but for the legal implications surrounding child abuse and parental responsibility.

Delaware County criminal defense attorney Enrique Latoison joined Law & Crime to offer insight into the charges facing Darryl and Grace Senseneg. Both face felony child endangerment after police say they isolated the child for months, restricted basic hygiene access, and even required him to buy his own food with earnings from a part-time job.

Latoison explained that in Pennsylvania, child endangerment is typically a misdemeanor, but repeated or patterned behavior can elevate it to a felony. In this case, the ongoing nature of the alleged abuse — along with visible physical injuries and extreme neglect — pushed the charges to a third-degree felony. He also noted that further charges could be added as the child, now in the care of extended family, begins to feel safe enough to share more.

Addressing whether this could go to trial, Latoison said these types of cases often end in plea deals, especially when public opinion is strong and the facts are difficult to defend. He also emphasized that prosecutors must prove the adults knowingly violated their duty of care — something that may become clearer if either defendant made statements to police in an attempt to justify their actions.

You can watch Enrique Latoison’s full legal breakdown in the video below.