A woman in Pennsylvania is accused of chaining her 11-year-old son to a basement fuel tank for hours because he ate too many hot dogs.

Chazzity Candelario - LEBANON COUNTY
Chazzity Candelario - LEBANON COUNTY
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Punishment for Eating Too Many Hot Dogs Leads to Arrest

A Pennsylvania woman, Chazzity Candelario, is facing serious charges after allegedly chaining her 11-year-old son to a basement fuel tank for hours as punishment for eating too many hot dogs. The disturbing incident occurred on January 11, when Candelario, 33, reportedly woke her son early in the morning to punish him for violating a household rule.

Child eating hot dog on embankment of Yalta, Crimea
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Mother’s Harsh Treatment a Regular Occurrence, Says Prosecutor

According to authorities, the young boy—who called 911 to report the abuse—told investigators that this type of punishment wasn’t an isolated incident. Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf stated that the boy had endured similar treatment in the past, although his siblings were never subjected to the same harsh consequences. “He sustains this type of treatment... and dates prior to this one," Graf explained.

Picture of young child's hands in hand cuffs
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Boy Escapes and Calls for Help After Hours of Imprisonment

The abuse began when Candelario allegedly berated her son for eating too many hot dogs, a violation she had noticed on security cameras. After confronting him, Candelario reportedly handcuffed the child to the basement’s fuel tank and left him there alone for hours. The boy eventually managed to free himself and, fearing further punishment, re-cuffed himself to his bed upstairs. Left without food, water, or bathroom access for nearly 17 hours, the child was finally able to reach a sibling’s cellphone and call 911 for help.

Mother Admits to Abuse; Faces Multiple Charges

When police arrived at the home, Candelario reportedly admitted to chaining her son to the oil tank. She now faces charges of false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, and endangering the welfare of a child. She is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Lebanon County Jail. Authorities continue to investigate the case as the child receives support from law enforcement and child protective services.

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