Attorneys for Couple Charged With Starving Boys, Forcing Them Outside in Freezing Weather Seek Gag Order

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Attorneys for Joshua and Tracy Dechant, the couple accused of multiple felonies related to allegedly starving 15-year-old twin boys, want a gag order.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said the defense attorneys say they are concerned for the safety of the Lower Macungie Township couple and their children.

The story has received national attention and the defense attorneys noted a negative “public reaction.”

The allegations are shocking by any standard.

The Dechants were arrested in January. They allegedly denied the two boys food and water, and forced them outside naked in freezing temperatures as punishment.

Neighbors let one of the boys into their home and later told police that when they provided food, he wouldn’t stop eating.

Lehigh County Judge James Anthony will consider the request for a gag order, which could limit what information is disclosed.

The boys weighed 53 and 55 pounds, about 90 pounds below normal weight for their age, according to earlier press releases.

Joshua Dechant is the stepfather of the twins. Tracy Dechant is their mother.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah K. Heimbach will prosecute the couple, Holihan said in today’s press release.

Here’s the full statement from District Attorney Holihan: