There have been new developments concerning the case of three children left abandoned for several years in suburban Detroit.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has issued charges in the case.

“We have authorized three charges of first-degree child abuse against Kelly Bryant, a 34-year-old resident of Pontiac,” McDonald said. “My office has already advised the court in the neglect proceedings that we will be asking to terminate the defendant’s parental rights.”

McDonald says Bryant’s three children aged 12, 13, and 15 were found living in deplorable conditions in an apartment last Friday. Investigators say the children may have been alone for nearly five years.

Bryant was expected to face a judge Thursday.