Four adults were arrested on felony child endangerment charges after 16 children were discovered living in deplorable conditions at a home in Hamden, Ohio, on June 30. The house was described as 'pure evil' by law enforcement.
Children Hospitalized
All 16 children required urgent medical treatment, with two flown to Level One trauma centres due to their injuries. The children ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old, including both boys and girls.
Investigation and Arrests
The Ohio Bureau of Investigation and the local sheriff's department searched the property after receiving information that prompted the investigation. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said the conditions were unlike anything he had seen before, calling it 'the worst scene he had encountered during his career' and describing it as 'pure evil.'
Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders have been arrested. They have not yet been arraigned or assigned public defenders.
Charges and Next Steps
Vinton County Prosecuting Attorney William Archer said the four were each charged with second degree felony child endangering as the allegations involve 'serious physical harm.' Officials have not confirmed whether the children are related but said the case is not being treated as human trafficking. The adults were not from the local area and appeared to have been travelling.
Investigators continued searching the property on Tuesday as the investigation remained ongoing. The four suspects are due to appear in court on July 1. 'Justice will be served for these children,' Wilson said.
