Husband and Wife Arrested for Cruelty to Juveniles

Acting on a complaint from a concerned citizen, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a rural residence on the west side of the parish to check on the welfare of young children. Deputies observed a house in disarray, food items scattered throughout the kitchen and dirty clothes on the floor throughout the house, even partially blocking access to the bathroom and toilet.

Deputies determined the children were not being bathed or fed regularly and were locked in a bedroom during the day so that the parents could sleep undisturbed. Additionally, it is suspected that the couple was selling their food stamp benefits for cash. Department of Children and Family Services personnel documented the living conditions, talked with the children, and removed the children from the home. 

Jessie R. Hoyt (28) and Kayla Hoyt (26) were each booked into the Washington Parish Jail on four counts of cruelty to juveniles. In addition, Kayla Hoyt is charged with resisting arrest by flight from an officer due to her attempt to flee on foot.   

Sheriff Randy Seal expressed dismay at the treatment of the children. “It is almost beyond belief that any couple would abuse their children in such a manner.”