A Fort Pierce pastor and foster parent is facing severe allegations after local authorities uncovered deeply concerning living conditions in her home. Gwendolyn Rolle, 59, has been officially charged with five counts of child neglect following a troubling investigation by the Fort Pierce Police Department regarding the mistreatment of five children entrusted to her care.
A Fort Pierce pastor acting as a foster parent to five children has been charged with five counts of child neglect following verified reports of physical abuse, chronic food deprivation, and deplorable household conditions.
The investigation was initiated on June 2 when law enforcement officers responded to Rolle’s Treasure Coast residence after receiving critical tips about suspected child abuse. According to the official arrest affidavit, the reality inside the home revealed an alarming pattern of neglect. Authorities discovered that the vulnerable children were living without access to basic, everyday necessities and were subjected to cruel disciplinary measures.
The police report outlined several specific instances of neglect and abuse:
- Inadequate Hygiene Facilities: The children were allegedly denied access to a functioning indoor bathroom. Instead, they were forced to use a bucket for their basic needs and had to bathe outdoors on the front porch using a standard garden hose.
- Severe Food Deprivation: Investigators noted that the children were routinely sent to bed hungry, often missing dinner entirely. The young victims stated they had to rely heavily on the breakfast and lunch provided at their schools for their daily nourishment.
- Physical Abuse and Intimidation: Officers found physical evidence of mistreatment, including a prominent bruise on one child’s chest. The victims reported being frequently struck in the head and face when Rolle disciplined them. Furthermore, while police were actively conducting their on-site interviews, one child claimed Rolle quietly threatened them, warning that they were “going to get it” as soon as the authorities departed the premises.
The extreme vulnerability of the victims makes the situation even more distressing for the immediate community. Among the five children placed in the home, two are non-verbal and require dedicated attention at a local special needs school. Shockingly, investigators noted that Rolle did not even know the name of the specialized educational facility these children attended.
Thankfully, immediate intervention has ensured the safety of the victims. All five children have been removed from the hostile environment and securely transferred into the protective custody of the Department of Children and Families. As the legal proceedings against Rolle move forward, this unsettling case serves as a critical reminder for all Treasure Coast residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of child endangerment to local authorities without hesitation.
