Pa. man jailed in 'canned goods' abuse of 6-year-old girl

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A southwestern Pennsylvania man is jailed on charges that he “disciplined” his girlfriend’s 6-year-old daughter by forcing her to balance on one foot while holding bags containing heavy canned goods — causing the girl to eventually fall and bruising her elbow, face and lip.

Online court records do not list an attorney for 31-year-old Jeff Loshaw, of Bedford, who is jailed along with the girl’s mother, who allegedly allowed the abuse to occur last month.

The Altoona Mirror first reported the charges announced Friday by the Bedford County District Attorney.

Assistant District Attorney Travis Livengood says the case amounts to “child torture” and tells The Associated Press that police have recovered several dented cans allegedly used in the punishment sessions.

Authorities say the girl was also dragged by the hair and shut in an attic — after being told it was haunted by ghosts.