A mother has been arrested after police alleged she allowed multiple men to sexually abuse her two young daughters in exchange for money and drugs.
Helena Nichole Hoyle, 27, was arrested by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office on August 14 and charged with two counts of trafficking persons and two counts of child neglect.
According to an affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail, the allegations came to light during an investigation into the reported sexual assault of the woman’s seven-year-old daughter.
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During an interview with deputies, the girl allegedly told investigators that she and her four-year-old sister had been sexually assaulted repeatedly by different men.
The younger child also allegedly told police she had witnessed her sister being abused.
Lena Hoyle Credit: Facebook
Investigators said the younger girl had limited ability to describe the alleged assaults in detail but corroborated significant parts of her sister’s account.
Police also allege Hoyle was present during at least one incident involving one of her daughters.
According to the affidavit, she was allegedly sitting on the floor using TikTok on her phone while the abuse occurred.
The children also reportedly described severely neglected living conditions at their home.
One girl allegedly told police she had chipped a tooth but had never been taken to a dentist for treatment.
Hoyle was booked into Berkeley County Jail following her arrest. Credit: Lena Hoyle/Facebook
She also reportedly described dirty dishes being left in the kitchen sink and said the home had no running water.
The girl allegedly told investigators she did not regularly brush her teeth or shower and sometimes went to bed dirty.
The affidavit states the home had no bathroom and that the children were allegedly forced to use a bucket instead of a toilet.
Hoyle was booked into Berkeley County Jail following her arrest.
The allegations have not been tested in court and Hoyle has not been convicted of the offences.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
