PONTIAC, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Oakland County woman accused of abandoning her three, young children for years to live in filth and squalor will stand trial.

Thirty-four-year-old Kelli Bryant faces three counts of first-degree child abuse. In addition, Bryant faces welfare fraud charges.

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Police say Bryant left her 15-year-old son along with her 13 and 12-year-old daughters alone in a Pontiac townhouse. The landlord called police when he said he had not seen Bryant in some time. She’d also been delinquent with her monthly payments.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Quincy Curtis testified that he went to the property in February for a welfare check. He said he entered the home and saw piles of trash, feces, and cobwebs throughout the home. He thought a dead body might be inside because of the foul odor.

When he checked on the children, he said they were frightened. The boy had toenails so long he had difficulty walking. The sisters stood close to each other holding hands.

Testimony revealed the children were confused about basic hygiene habits like brushing their teeth and flushing the toilet. They had not been to school in years and had difficulty spelling their names.

Evidence from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office showed the son listed Bryant in his phone as “world’s greatest mom.” Bryant’s contacts in her phone listed her children as “my oldest,” “kid 1” and “kid 2.”

The children are under the watch of Child Protective Services and staying with a relative. Bryant is to have zero contact with them.