Deputies in Orangeburg, South Carolina, arrested 25-year-old Justice Anderson after responding to a home where they allegedly found a vulnerable adult living in a bed full of maggots and a one-year-old child with serious injuries. The discovery followed a report from hospital staff that prompted a welfare check at the residence on Manlicher Drive.
Background
The investigation began when staff at MUSC Health hospital in Orangeburg reported that a 1-year-old child had sustained "serious injuries" on Sept. 4. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office dispatched deputies to the child's home to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injuries. Upon arrival, law enforcement described the scene as a "neglect and abuse situation."
Inside the residence, deputies encountered a 42-year-old woman whom they described as "vulnerable." She was allegedly found in a bed containing maggots and rotten food. The home itself was characterized by Sheriff Leroy Ravenell as being in "deplorable" condition, cluttered with trash, and infested with insects. According to the sheriff, the residence lacked running water and electricity.
The Charges
Justice Anderson has been charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk and neglect of a vulnerable adult. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office stated that the conditions of the home were "absolutely and disgustingly appalling." The specific relationship between Anderson, the toddler, and the 42-year-old woman has not been immediately disclosed to the public.
Anderson was arrested and booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center. He appeared in court on Sunday, where a judge set his bond at $175,000. As of the latest reports, this bond has not been posted, and Anderson remains in custody.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Anderson, 25, was arrested in Orangeburg, S.C., after deputies found severe neglect conditions.
- A 42-year-old woman was allegedly discovered in a bed full of maggots and rotten food.
- A 1-year-old child reported to hospital staff with "serious injuries" triggered the investigation.
- The home lacked running water and electricity and was described as insect-infested.
- Anderson faces charges of unlawfully placing a child at risk and neglect of a vulnerable adult.
- Bond was set at $175,000, which has not yet been posted.
What's Next
Justice Anderson remains in the Orangeburg County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 13. The current medical status and living arrangements for both the child and the 42-year-old woman have not been publicly released, pending further investigation and court proceedings.