3 Brothers Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girls for Years – and Dad Allegedly Blamed 'Hormones'

Photo: Milwaukee County Jail

Three brothers are facing sexual abuse allegations in Wisconsin after police investigating reports of a suspicious car discovered several children living in squalor inside a home with no heat.

James Keene, 29, is charged with first- and second-degree sexual assault of a child, PEOPLE confirms, while Elijah Keene, 27, is charged with four counts of repeated sexual assault of a child and one count of second-degree sexual assault of a child.

Josiah Keene, 20, faces a single count of repeated sexual assault of a child, the criminal complaint indicates.

Police entered, and observed the “house was very dirty” and that children there “were not going to school.”

Police took the children out of the home and to the station house, where they were all interviewed.

Brian Keene, according to the complaint, also spoke to police, allegedly telling them his wife left him in 2014.

He allegedly further acknowledged knowing “of allegations” against his sons, but had chalked up their alleged crimes to “raging hormones.”

However, Elijah Keene denied any wrongdoing before eventually confessing.

The complaint alleges Elijah Keene told detectives he tried to stop committing the abuse, but was “addicted.”

Brian Keene and James Keene are being held on $50,000 cash bond. Elijah Keene is being held on $100,000 cash bond. Josiah Keene is being held on $25,000 cash bond.

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Each is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on April 23.

None has entered pleas to the charges against them.

Lawyers for the four men could not be reached for comment.

source: people.com