Shivangi Sinha
Tanya Kach was only 14 years old when she was abducted by Tom Hose, a school security guard who had gradually built a close relationship with her. What started as a seemingly innocent connection quickly turned sinister when he lured her away and kept her hidden in his home for a staggering 10 years. During her captivity, she lived in the same house as Hose’s parents and his son, who was just two years younger than Tanya, without anyone knowing the truth. Her long ordeal finally ended when she confided in a trusted friend, leading to her rescue and the beginning of her path back to freedom. Tanya’s harrowing experience is brought to the screen in Lifetime’s ‘The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story,’ with actor Robert Baker delivering an ominous portrayal of Hose.
Tom Hose Kept Tanya Kach Locked in His Bedroom For Four Years
Thomas “Tom” John Hose was employed as a security guard at Cornell Middle School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he led what appeared to be an ordinary life. He lived in a modest home near the school with his parents and his young son. It was during his time at the school that he met Tanya Kach, a 14-year-old student navigating a particularly difficult and unstable period in her life. Hose began to befriend Tanya, initially gaining her trust with small gestures. She even recalled an incident where he caught her skipping class but chose not to punish her. Over time, his interactions with her grew more frequent and personal. Eventually, manipulating her vulnerability, he convinced her to leave her home and secretly move in with him.
Once there, he instructed her to remain hidden in his second-floor bedroom and keep completely silent. He warned her that she could not be seen or heard by anyone in the house. Tanya moved into Hose’s home in February 1996, and not long after, the sexual abuse began. He reportedly kept a calendar in which he asked her to mark their sexual encounters. She was confined to his bedroom, forced to live in silence, and even had to use a bucket as a toilet. Hose told her that the safest place for her was in his home and allegedly manipulated her into staying by threatening to kill both her and her family if she ever tried to leave or spoke out. This horrific ordeal continued in isolation for nearly four years. Then, in 2000, Hose devised a new plan.
Tom Hose Told His Family That Tanya Kach Was His Girlfriend
Tom Hose forced Tanya Kach to adopt a new name—Nikki Allen—and introduced her to his family as his new girlfriend. By doing so, he began allowing her slightly more freedom, but she remained under his control and surveillance. Hose gradually began giving Tanya allowances and allowed her small freedoms, starting with errands like buying clothes or groceries. Over time, she was even permitted to attend church. However, strict rules were always in place. She was required to be home at 2 pm during the day and back no later than 8:30 pm whenever she went out.
In addition to these curfews, Tanya was also allegedly forced to do house chores. Despite the slight loosening of control, her life was still heavily monitored. Eventually, she found the courage to confide in Joe Sparico, a local grocery store owner whom she had come to trust. Joe contacted the police, leading to her rescue. On March 24, 2006, Hose was arrested by the Allegheny County Police Department, bringing an end to the decade-long nightmare Tanya had endured.
Tom Hose is No Longer in Jail Today
In 2007, Tom Hose pled guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, statutory sexual assault, interfering with the custody of a child, corruption of a minor, and child endangerment. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after five years. During his sentencing, Tanya Kach delivered an emotional statement detailing the horrific abuse she had endured during the decade she was held captive.
According to reports, Hose was released in 2022 after serving his full sentence. He is now a registered sex offender under the Pennsylvania Police Department. Some reports indicate that he may still be living in or near the same house where he had kept Tanya imprisoned, though he appears to be maintaining a low profile since his release.
Read More: Laura Cowan: Where is the Kidnapping Survivor Now?
