HAMDEN, Ohio (AP): Four adults are facing felony child endangerment charges after authorities discovered 16 children living in what investigators described as deplorable conditions at a home in southern Ohio.
Agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Tuesday at a home in the village of Hamden, about 60 miles southeast of Columbus. Investigators said the children were found in need of medical care, with several suffering serious injuries.
The children range in age from 18 months to 18 years old. Two were flown by medical helicopter to Level I trauma centers for treatment, while the remaining children also received medical attention.
Arrested were:
- Gary Siders Jr.
- Gary Siders Sr.
- Christina Siders
- Elizabeth Siders
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer said each is charged with second-degree felony child endangerment, alleging the children suffered serious physical harm.
Authorities have not said whether the children are related to the four adults. Investigators also said the case is not believed to involve human trafficking. Officials indicated the adults were not from the area and appeared to have been traveling.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson called the conditions inside the home the worst he has encountered during his career but declined to provide additional details because the investigation remains active.
Investigators continued processing the property Tuesday under a second search warrant. The four suspects are scheduled to make their initial court appearances Wednesday morning.
The investigation remains ongoing.
