Pittsburgh Woman Charged After Unresponsive Child, Unsupervised Infant Found in Emlenton Home

EMLENTON — On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 1900 hrs (7 P.M.) Emlenton Boro Police Department made contact with a juvenile male who had been seen wandering the town. Out of worry for his condition Officers stopped and began talking to him. It was found that he was looking for his sister, who had not been seen since the previous day, and was his caregiver.

Officers began taking information and contacted the Emlenton Fire Department and the Borough Mayor for assistance.  Throughout the investigation, it was determined that the missing child was staying at a house located within the Borough and was currently under the supervision of Melea Janis, 19, of Pittsburgh. When officers arrived at the house and attempted contact, no one came to the door.

Members of Emlenton fire reported that they had seen the girl with Melea Janis walking up Kerr Ave. Officers arrived back at the police department and were able to determine that the juvenile was under the influence of controlled substances. Officers were then advised that if Janis was at the police department, then there was an infant in a pack and play unsupervised at the house.

Officers returned to the residence and made an emergency entry. Upon entry, the officers found an unresponsive female, later found to be a juvenile, found to be under the influence of alcohol. The pack and play was searched along with the immediate area, with no infant found. Officers searched the house and found the infant in an upstairs bedroom with no blankets or clothing. The infant was taken into protective custody and released to Emlenton Ambulance for evaluation.  

• Melea Janis was arrested and charged with 

• 3 counts of Endangering the welfare of a child, felony 3

• 2 counts of corruption of minors, a felony 3

 Janis was arraigned before District Magistrate Fish and lodged in the Venango County Jail of $75,000 cash bail. 

Emlenton Police would like to thank the Borough Mayor, the Emlenton Fire Department, Emlenton Ambulance, Venango County CYS, Venango County 911, and countless volunteers who showed up and assisted in the hours-long search. Their time and efforts are greatly appreciated.