Woman accused of sexually abusing children she kept in cages is arrested after allegedly attacking police officers

The authorities in Massachusetts are currently investigating a couple from Taunton after they received an "anonymous report" that there were children allegedly living in dismal conditions. This includes one allegation that the children were being kept in cages. A press release from the Taunton Police Department stated that police officers were helping out workers from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. They arrived at the home of the couple on September 30 to investigate an "anonymous report about three children allegedly living in squalor."

The press release also stated that the three children had been taken away from home and placed in care. An arrest report for Melissa Jean Hope showed that she faces one assault and battery charge after she allegedly attacked an officer. 

The arrest report, which had been obtained by The Taunton Gazette, also stated that the children were removed from the couples' apartment because there had been allegations of "both neglect and abuse consisting of a variety of specifics which included sexual assault and the keeping of children in cages." Hope's husband, however, has denied the allegations made against her and has come forward saying that the police officers were the ones who got aggressive with his wife.

Matthew Hope, Melissa's husband, told NECN in an interview: "The Taunton Police Department kicked my door in like I’m a drug dealer. They proceeded to assault my wife and make falsified charges." The police report that was obtained by The Gazette also alleged that the couple had allegedly shouted lewd remarks at the authorities from an open window. The document then alleged that the couple did not let the officers into the apartment "without a warrant."

According to a statement by the police, the officers who had responded to the scene followed an order that was given to break the door down, and that they commanded the couple to sit down on the floor. The statement continued: "After entering the apartment, a Taunton officer was allegedly assaulted by [Melissa] Hope, and Hope was immediately placed under arrest."

The incident report from Sunday stated that Melissa allegedly grabbed an officer in the "area of his throat and neck" (in the apartment) and then allegedly proceeded to push him with a "significant amount of force." The couple has not been charged regarding the alleged horrific treatment of the children. Melissa pleaded not guilty and has been let out without bail. 

When PEOPLE asked if any more charges would be pressed against the couple, a spokesperson for the Taunton Police Department told the publication: "This remains an active and ongoing investigation."