In response to recent child abuse allegations in Fayette County, Pennsylvania State Representative Ryan Warner is renewing his push for legislation that would create a specific offense of child torture in the state. Warner emphasized the seriousness of such crimes and the need for appropriate legal tools.
“No punishment is too harsh for people who treat precious children as if they aren’t even human beings,” Warner said. “Many children don’t survive such treatment, and those who do are left with physical and emotional scars from which they may never fully recover.
“Sometimes, the horror these children experience goes beyond abuse,” he continued. “It’s time we recognize some of these crimes truly do rise to the level of torture and give our law enforcement officers and the judicial system the tools they need to ensure the punishment fits the crime.”
Warner previously introduced similar legislation last session but was prompted to act again following reports this week involving a 9-year-old girl’s death and five other children found living in poor conditions. He stated, “While these cases are still being investigated and are only allegations at this point, they serve as stark reminders of the evil in this world. As a father, I cannot fathom how anyone could treat a child this way.”
Fayette County District Attorney Michael A. Aubele expressed support for Warner’s initiative: “The despicable actions against children in Fayette County recently have again brought light to a glaring weakness in our criminal statutes, specifically the lack of a law targeting child torture,” Aubele said. “I commend Rep. Warner for reintroducing , and for working to provide law enforcement the tools necessary to prosecute heinous crimes against our children.”
Over the past twenty years, both medical and legal experts nationwide have recognized child torture as an especially severe form of ongoing abuse. Pennsylvania remains among about twelve states without a dedicated statute addressing child torture directly. While current laws prohibit physical harm against minors, there are gaps when it comes to cases involving mental trauma or situations where serious bodily injury does not occur.
House Bill 1837 aims to fill these gaps by establishing penalties for intentionally, knowingly or recklessly torturing a minor under one’s custody or control. The bill defines torture through specific acts commonly seen in such cases—including physical or sexual abuse, unreasonable restraint or confinement, deprivation of basic needs like food or restroom access, starvation, or terrorizing behavior intended to cause significant emotional distress.
Under House Bill 1837, conviction without bodily injury would be classified as a third-degree felony—carrying up to seven years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000—while cases resulting in bodily injury would be considered first-degree felonies with penalties up to twenty years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fines.
Representative Ryan Warner represents Pennsylvania’s 52nd Legislative District.
