A neighbor of a residence where authorities rescued 16 children from ‘deplorable’ conditions expressed surprise, stating he never saw any children at that location.
The children, ranging in age from one and a half to 18, were found in an Ohio home where officers noted they seemed to have spent most of their time in a cramped 12ft by 12ft room surrounded by human waste.
Police had originally entered the property in the village of Hamden, located about 80 miles southeast of Columbus, to execute a warrant for an unrelated investigation.
Inside, they found the children, some of whom had difficulties communicating, and the oldest unable to spell her own name.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain remarked, “Most of our livestock was kept in better conditions than the children. Just a disgusting scene.”
A neighbor has since come forward, mentioning the absence of any visible signs of children from outside the house.
Joseph Stewart, who has lived nearby for six years, claimed he saw ‘no kids at all’ even though the house and yard were clearly visible to him. He described the situation as ‘sad’ and noted the area was a ‘quiet neighborhood’.
Officials have stated there seemed to be no outside awareness of the children’s presence in the house, as they were not registered in school.
At a press briefing, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said, “These folks were pretty good at hiding these kids. We didn’t know there were going to be 16 kids there. It’s the type of thing that we’re not used to seeing here in America. They looked like almost feral animals. It was terrible.”
Seven children were subsequently taken to hospitals in Columbus, with two transported by helicopter. As of Tuesday, one child remained in critical condition, while others were also admitted.
The children are now in the temporary care of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.
William Archer, Vinton County’s prosecuting attorney, confirmed that four adults have been arraigned on charges of second-degree felony child endangering.
The suspects, identified as Gary Siders Jr, Gary Siders Sr, Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders, are now in custody related to the case, as reported by First Alert 6.
An investigation is underway, including a review of any past reports to child protective services concerning the family.