Published Thursday, August 15, 2002
starved teens,
cops say
Herald Staff Writer
Police charged a Fairview Township woman Monday with endangering the welfare of her two children after they said she forced the teens to fast for 10 days to purge them of demons.
Christine Marie Sauer, 39, of 109 Balut Road, Lot 1, was also charged with simple assault and harassment and stalking, state police said.
Police said for 10 days the woman forced the 15-year-old and 16-year-old to eat only green beans and water because she wanted "to rid their souls of demons."
Police said they confirmed the allegations through interviews, and learned the woman assaulted the 15-year-old on Aug. 7.
The children were left in the custody of family members.
A spokesperson at Mercer County Children and Youth Services, which police listed as a respondent in the case, couldn't comment on whether or not the agency is involved, but said a medical evaluation by a doctor would give them permission to take action in such a case.
Ms. Sauer was arraigned before District Justice William Fagley, Greenville. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 26.