Overview

• Deputies in Lancaster County allege four vulnerable adults were confined in a home’s basement, with one woman held since about 2015.
• The investigation began after an unattended death at the residence, where the deceased woman showed signs of neglect and abuse, according to police.
• Warrants describe Birchfield controlling when victims ate, used the bathroom, took medication and accessed phones, restricting contact with the outside world.
• Financial records cited by investigators show dozens of transactions since 2022 using victims’ accounts, including paying his credit card, about $2,000 at Walmart and 32 purchases identified as solely for his use.
• Birchfield faces counts including exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults, false imprisonment, domestic violence and financial fraud; bond is set at $150,000 and his attorney says he maintains his innocence.