Sixteen children ranging from 18 months to 18 years old were discovered inside a small Ohio home that neighbors say they never knew existed, leading to the arrest of four family members on child endangerment charges, authorities announced.
Background
The Vinton County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence on the 100 block of Ohmer Street in Hamden, Ohio. The small village sits in the southern part of the state.
Inside the one-story home built in 1900, authorities say they found all 16 children. Records from the county auditor's office show the five-room house had just one bathroom.
Neighbors told local ABC affiliate WSYX that the property appeared unremarkable despite what investigators would later describe as "horrific" conditions inside.
I come up down through here all the time and I've never seen a kid out here, one resident identified as Larry Brown told the station.
The children were being treated medically as authorities worked to place them with guardians. Officials said the defendants are not from Vinton County.
The Charges
Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders, Elizabeth Siders, and Gary Siders Sr. are each charged with 16 counts of second-degree felony child endangerment, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced at a press conference covered by regional CBS affiliate WOIO.
Authorities did not release specific details about the alleged endangerment but confirmed it involved serious physical harm to the children.
This is pure evil, Wilson said. This probably was the worst scene that I've been in, as far as the deplorable conditions.
Law enforcement indicated this is not a case of human trafficking.
Key Takeaways
- Four family members arrested in connection with 16 children found inside an Ohio home
- Children ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old
- The residence had five rooms and only one bathroom, built more than a century ago
- Neighbors say they never saw any children at the property despite living nearby
- All four defendants face 16 counts of second-degree felony child endangerment each
What's Next
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence. The Vinton County Sheriff's Office and Ohio Bureau of Investigation are working with child welfare officials to ensure the children's safety and placement. No court dates have been set for the preliminary hearing.