Pennsylvania couple forced teen to live in shed for months as punishment

Mennonites Bishop Daryl Sensenig and his wife Grace Accused Of starving and assaulting a juvenile family member.

A Lancaster County man who describes himself as a “man of God” and serves as a part-time bishop at a Mennonite-rooted church is accused of starving and assaulting a juvenile family member forced to live in a shed, according to media reports and social media post by the suspects.
Daryl Jay Sensenig, 41, and his wife, Grace Louise Sensenig, 42, of Reinholds, were arrested after Ephrata Police responded to a violent domestic dispute.

The couple forced the boy — a family member — to live in a wooden shed about 100 yards from their home since mid-March after he returned from a long-term boys’ camp, according to the affidavits. The child was only permitted to shower indoors once a week, had to drink from a hose, and was forced to defecate in holes he dug outside, wiping with leaves. Daryl Sensenig also tackled the boy and applied pressure to his neck during the July 30 dispute, leaving visible scratches and abrasions, the police wrote.

The boy was placed into the care of extended family as the Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency continues its investigation, authorities said.
Daryl Sensenig has served as a part-time bishop at Shalom Bible Fellowship Church in Shartlesville since February 2020, a congregation with Mennonite roots, according to his LinkedIn profile. His Instagram bio identifies him as a “man of God,” while his Facebook introduction simply reads, “I love Jesus.”

Grace Sensenig was charged with Felony Endangering the Welfare of Children. Daryl Sensenig was charged with Felony Endangering the Welfare of Children and Misdemeanor Simple Assault.

Both were arraigned Thursday morning before Magisterial District Judge William R. Mankin II and released on $30,000 unsecured bail each, court records show. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13, before Judge Clark Bearinger.