The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A West Virginia couple were arrested after one of the four children in their care reported them to the authorities for alleged child abuse including residing in a filthy home filled with raw sewage.
On May 18, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a situation involving a 13-year-old who reported that abuse was taking place at the Grant Town home in which he and 3 younger children reside. An investigation was opened, and deputies were sent to the residence to follow up on the report. When they arrived, they suspected there was truth to the claims.
According to reports, the deputies spotted trash all over the front yard and the floor of the home. They saw the youngster who made the report and they noted that he had visible bruising and blood on his body. A strong odor was present, and the deputies alleged that the toilet was overflowing with raw sewage, and the bathroom had “an infestation of flies.”
When they located the other three children in a bedroom with a dirty mattress, the deputies noted that the 3-year-old had a feeding tube and looked unwell. Child Protective Services was notified, and they removed the youngsters from the residence.
Both suspects, whose relationship to the children is currently unknown, were taken into custody and booked into the North Central Regional Jail. The woman is facing preliminary charges of child neglect causing bodily injury. Her husband is expected to face the same charge of child neglect causing bodily injury, with an additional charge of child abuse with a substantial risk of death or bodily injury. They are each being held in lieu of $50,000 bonds.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.