Hamilton Township Couple Arrested for Child Endangerment and Animal Cruelty

Kevin Connolly, 39 and Amanda Aulito, 33Photo byPhoto by Monroe County Drug Task Force

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Hamilton Township, PA-  A Hamilton Township couple is facing charges of child endangerment and animal cruelty after an investigation led to their arrest on July 3, 2023.

Amanda Aulito, 33, and Kevin Connolly, 39, were taken into custody after detectives noticed a foul odor emanating from their residence. Debris was also present outside the home, leading the detectives to contact Monroe County Children and Youth Services and the ASPCA for assistance.

Upon announcing themselves at the door, Connolly answered and attempted to block detectives from viewing inside. He initially lied to the police, stating that his two minor children were not home. He then asked to go back inside to retrieve his cell phone. Instead, Connolly went inside and attempted to remove his 9-year-old daughter from the home by having her climb over a pile of garbage and debris wearing flip-flops. Connolly stated that his 14-year-old son was at a friend’s house. However, the son walked out of the front door while the police were still on the premises. When Aulito arrived home, she found Connolly in handcuffs and was arrested.

Upon consenting to a search of their home, detectives found it to be in an unlivable and deplorable condition. No edible food was present for the children or dogs. The investigation resulted in both Aulito and Connolly being charged with endangering the welfare of children, animal cruelty, recklessly endangering another person, obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, hindering apprehension or prosecution, and conspiracy.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining both a safe and healthy environment for children and animals. This is also a warning for those who do not take their responsibilities seriously. Their actions can have grave consequences.  The couple was arraigned and is currently being held at the Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information regarding Aulito or Connolly is asked to contact Detective Kim Lippincott via email at klippincott@monroecountypa.gov.