The parents of three children in Georgia are facing multiple felony charges after the authorities accused them of forcing the youngsters to live in a filthy home without regular access to food.
According to reports, the children’s grandmother lives next door to the family, who reside in Carroll County. Their grandmother regularly takes care of them at her house when their parents are not home. Recently, the grandma felt overwhelmed when she tried to get her 10-year-old grandson to stop riding his bike on the highway. The woman decided to notify the authorities to see if the police could help her with the situation.
Carroll County sheriff’s deputies headed to the address to see what was happening. They reported that they found the youngsters at their residence, but their parents were not home. Their grandmother explained that she babysits the kids a lot. When the deputies went into the house, they reported that the trailer was very hot and smelled like animals were using it as a toilet. They found there was no food available, and there were locks on the refrigerator and freezer.
Upon further inspection, they reported that the parents had an air conditioner set to 54 degrees in their locked bedroom. They also had a separate refrigerator that was allegedly filled with food. The mother reportedly said the locks were affixed because she has limited funds for food each month, and they must make sure it lasts.
Both parents were taken into custody and booked into the Carroll County Jail. They are each facing preliminary charges of three felony counts of first-degree cruelty to children — deprivation of necessary sustenance, and three felony counts of second-degree cruelty to children — criminal negligence causing excessive physical/mental pain. They were released on bond a few days after their arrests.
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.