Children Found in Deplorable Conditions; Three Arrested After Troy Welfare Check
- John Eads
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
TROY, MISSOURI — Lincoln CountyWatch was alerted Saturday evening to a significant police presence along Cap Au Gris Street in Troy. Multiple Troy Police Department units were on scene, the roadway was shut down, and three ambulances were requested.
Lincoln CountyWatch was on scene and confirmed directly with Troy officials that there was no danger to the public. At the time of the response, officials indicated the incident involved a child welfare matter. Tips began coming in shortly afterward, followed by confirmation that the response stemmed from allegations inside the residence.
According to court filings and probable cause statements filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court, officers were dispatched to the home after reports of children screaming for help from inside the residence. When officers approached, multiple children were observed attempting to escape through a window. Officers later documented broken glass near a basement window before gaining entry to conduct a welfare check.
Once inside, officers reported being overwhelmed by the smell of rot and feces. Records describe trash, old food, and insects throughout the home, including floors, walls, ceilings, and kitchen surfaces. The children were described as dirty, covered in rashes and marks, and some were found wearing underwear soiled with urine and feces. Officers noted that bedrooms were in disarray and that food and waste were present throughout the residence.
Court filings state that multiple children were found nude inside locked bedrooms. Officers documented the conditions with photographs and contacted the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. Lincoln County Ambulance District responded, and all children were evaluated on scene before being transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Several children were diagnosed with infections and required further medical and psychological evaluation.
As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were charged:
Jordan Wayne Hoffman
Multiple counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child
Section 568.060.5(1), no sexual contact
Allegations include knowingly subjecting children to deplorable living conditions and failing to provide adequate care
Bond set at $40,000, cash only, with conditions including no contact with the victims
Confirmed in custody
Terry Ray Wheat Jr.
Multiple counts of Abuse or Neglect of a Child
Section 568.060.5(1), no sexual contact
Allegations include knowingly subjecting children to deplorable living conditions and failing to provide adequate care
Bond set at $30,000, cash only, with conditions including no contact with the victims
Confirmed in custody
Victoria Trube
Abuse or Neglect of a Child
Section 568.060.5(1), no sexual contact
Charges stem from involvement in the same residence and conditions outlined in the investigation
Bond set at $30,000, cash only, with conditions including no contact with the victims
Confirmed in custody
All allegations outlined above are based on court filings. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was written by John Eads. For more information, please contact Lincoln CountyWatch. All information provided is based on available sources and is subject to change. Allegations mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Lincoln CountyWatch does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.
Source: Lincoln County Circuit Court records; Troy Police Department.
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