Police: Parents Allowed Children's Teeth to Rot

Two Bethlehem parents were arrested today and charged with allowing their children’s teeth to rot to a state of “severe decay,” city police said.

John and Donna Grobelny of 977 Wyandotte St., were both charged with endangering the welfare of children as a result into an investigation into the condition of their two children, aged 9 and 7, police said.

Both John, 38, and Donna, 44, were committed to Northampton County Prison. The children were taken from the home by Northampton County Children and Youth investigators and brought to St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill for examination, according to a police news release.

The children’s welfare agency referred the case to city police. According to the release, the children complained to their parents that their teeth hurt and school officials also notified the parents about the condition of the children’s teeth.

“Neither parent took the initiative to act or render aid about their children’s dental condition,” the police news release said. The release also noted that the home was in an “unsanitary condition.”

Both parents were arraigned this afternoon in front of District Justice Nancy Matos-Gonzalez, who set bail at $35,000 for Mr. Grobelny and $15,000 for Mrs. Grobelny.