NJ Teen Escapes After Years of Captivity and Sexual Abuse in Gloucester Township Home

Authorities Arrest Mother and Stepfather After Victim Alleges Confinement, Assault, and Sexual Abuse

In an appalling case that has shocked the Gloucester Township community and beyond, a teenage girl recently escaped from a home where she says she had been held captive and sexually and physically abused for years. The teen, now 18, alleges that her mother and stepfather subjected her to horrific abuse and isolation beginning when she was in sixth grade.

The suspects, identified as Brenda Spencer, 38, and Branndon Mosley, 41, have been arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including kidnapping, criminal restraint, aggravated assault, and weapons charges. Mosley also faces multiple counts of sexual assault stemming from the victim’s account.

Years of Confinement, Abuse, and Dehumanization

According to Gloucester Township Police, the abuse began around 2018, shortly after the girl was removed from school. She told detectives that she was forcibly confined inside the family’s Blackwood home, where her movement was tightly controlled.

At various points, the victim says she was:

• Forced to live inside a dog crate for approximately a year, only being let out occasionally.

• Chained up and locked in a bathroom, which was secured with a padlock to prevent her from escaping.

• Confined to a bare room with nothing but a bucket, and monitored by an alarm system that alerted the adults if she tried to leave.

The teen also reported that she was sexually abused by Mosley, and that her mother shaved her head as punishment. These acts of abuse continued in secret until the victim escaped the home on May 8, when a concerned neighbor offered help.

A Neighbor’s Role in Her Escape

The victim found refuge with a nearby neighbor, who later spoke to Action News. The man, who did not wish to be identified, recalled being stunned by the girl’s appearance and condition.

“She definitely had scars on her wrists from being chained up,” he said. “She said for punishment, her mother would shave her head.”

He added that he hadn’t seen the girl in 11 years, raising questions about how the abuse could have continued so long without public suspicion.

Police say that when they searched the home, they discovered filthy, overcrowded conditions shared by numerous animals—including dogs and chinchillas. The house was not only unsanitary but appeared to be designed specifically to restrain and isolate the teen.

Investigators also found that a 13-year-old child living in the home had likewise been removed from school years ago. Both children were reportedly being homeschooled, though law enforcement officials are investigating the validity and oversight of that arrangement.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Brenda Spencer and Branndon Mosley were taken into custody on Sunday, following the teen’s escape. Their charges include:

• Kidnapping

• Aggravated assault

• Criminal restraint

• Weapons offenses

• Multiple counts of sexual assault (against Mosley)

They are currently awaiting legal proceedings, and more charges could follow as the investigation unfolds.

Legal Help for Survivors of Abuse and Imprisonment in New Jersey

What happened in Gloucester Township is more than a criminal case—it’s a tragic example of long-term, unchecked domestic abuse and sexual assault. Survivors who endure these kinds of horrific conditions deserve more than just a criminal conviction—they deserve justice, healing, and a path forward.

At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we represent victims who were harmed by family members, guardians, or caretakers. These are often the most emotionally complex and traumatic cases—but they are also some of the most important to confront.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., is a seasoned advocate for survivors of physical and sexual abuse throughout New Jersey. He and his legal team work tirelessly to ensure that abusers are held accountable and that survivors can access compensation for:

• Pain and suffering

• Medical and therapeutic treatment

• Emotional trauma

• Lost educational opportunities

Contact Survivors of Abuse NJ

If you or someone you know has been a victim of imprisonment, physical abuse, or sexual assault in a domestic setting, reach out today. Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. and the team at Survivors of Abuse NJ offer confidential, free consultations and are ready to help you take the first steps toward justice and recovery.

Source:

6ABC