The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A couple from southeast Nebraska who owns a nutrition store were arrested for allegedly raising children in extreme filth in their home.
According to reports, the conditions were so bad that their children allegedly lived among dead animals. Police were notified by the state’s child welfare agency, which reported that the children had to eat in the bathroom since it was the only clean area. When officers arrived, they allegedly found the home filled with animal feces, trash, and urine. The father was found sleeping in his car, and they purported he was doing so to avoid the mess inside.
Inside the house, officers noticed feces and urine everywhere, along with piles of trash. Flypaper was hanging from the ceiling, covered in dead insects. One child’s room reportedly had a small section of the bed for sleeping, with the rest filled with trash that reached the ceiling. The room also had a rabbit hutch overflowing with waste.
Backup officers inspected the rest of the house, finding similar conditions. Over two days, they returned to find some areas being cleaned, with the mother reportedly asking if the kids could help. Police said no and told the parents that it was their job to provide safe living conditions.
On the third day, police allegedly found a rabbit pen in the basement with four dead rabbits and no food or water. The couple reportedly claimed they didn’t know about the rabbits.
The authorities decided to pursue charges against the couple, and they were both taken into custody on September 1. They are each facing charges of animal cruelty and child abuse. They were released two days later after posting bail.
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.