In a tragic and deeply disturbing case that underscores the hidden horrors of domestic abuse, a jury in Adams County, Pennsylvania, has found a Littlestown-area couple guilty of multiple felony charges for the abuse and neglect of their adopted child. Todd Douglas Myers, 57, and Stacey Lynn Myers, 51, were convicted on July 6, 2025, after a three-day trial in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas.
According to the Adams County District Attorney’s Office, both defendants were found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child and an additional weapons charge. The couple now faces a potential sentence of up to 17 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 20, 2025.
The case dates back to March 4, 2021, when the Adams County Department of Children and Youth Services attempted to check on a 14-year-old child adopted by the Myerses. The couple's refusal to allow access prompted investigators to seek a court order, which ultimately led to a chilling discovery.
Authorities found the child living in deplorable conditions — confined to an unfinished, unheated basement, forced to wear adult diapers around the clock, and monitored by a surveillance camera. The victim, weighing only 77 pounds, was found to be suffering from serious malnutrition and was immediately transported to a hospital for emergency care. Doctors later confirmed that the child's condition was a result of severe neglect.
As investigators continued their work, more horrific details came to light. According to affidavits filed in the case, the child was routinely locked in the basement, deprived of heating or air conditioning, and physically assaulted.
The victim told police they were grabbed by the neck and thrown down the stairs, hit with a board, and denied food while being told, “the other kids needed it more.” In one of the most disturbing allegations, Stacey Myers allegedly used a taser on the victim multiple times. A police search in August 2021 uncovered the taser hidden in a kitchen cabinet, further confirming the abuse.
The case was prosecuted by Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett and Assistant District Attorney Kyle Reuter, both of whom praised the tireless efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police and local child welfare workers.
District Attorney Sinnett issued a public statement, thanking the agencies for their “continued and persistent investigation into this terrible ordeal.” Their collaboration ensured that the perpetrators were held accountable and brought to justice.
At Survivors of Abuse PA, we are deeply saddened by this case and the suffering endured by the victim. Abuse within adoptive or foster homes is a violation of the deepest trust, and survivors deserve compassionate legal guidance to seek justice, safety, and healing.
Our team, led by Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., is committed to representing child abuse survivors across Pennsylvania. Whether the abuse is recent or occurred years ago, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue civil claims for compensation against abusers and negligent institutions.
No one should suffer abuse in silence, especially children placed in homes meant to protect them. If you or someone you love has experienced child abuse or neglect, we encourage you to contact our office for a confidential and free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available court and law enforcement reports. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Survivors of Abuse PA offers legal services for survivors of abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania.
Source:
Ashley DiLiberto, Esq. - The Abuse Lawyer PA
123 S 22nd St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 502-9090
Hours Of Operation
Monday: 24 Hours
Tuesday: 24 Hours
Wednesday: 24 Hours
Thursday: 24 Hours
Friday: 24 Hours
Saturday: 24 Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours
Cases We Handle
Sexual abuse lawyer
Child abuse lawyer
Clergy abuse lawyer
Private boarding school abuse lawyer
Doctor abuse lawyer
Daycare abuse lawyer
Hazing and Bullying abuse lawyer
Massage spa abuse lawyer