|
“Conditions you cannot even imagine people being in, let alone
children being in,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said at a
news conference.
Law enforcement arrested Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr.,
Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders. They have not yet been
arraigned and assigned public defenders.
Vinton County prosecuting attorney William Archer said they were
being charged with second-degree felony child endangering
because it involves “serious physical harm.”
Officials did not confirm if the children were related but said
it was not a human trafficking situation. They said the adults
were not locals and appeared to have been traveling.
Hamden has a population of less than 1,000 people and is about
60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Columbus.
The children ranged from ages 1.5 to 18 and included both boys
and girls, officials said. Several were in serious conditions
when found, and two had to be flown to level one trauma centers
because of their injuries.
Wilson said it was the worst scene he had ever encountered in
his entire career, describing what he saw as “pure evil.”
Law enforcement were also executing a secondary search warrant
at the home Tuesday, and the investigation is ongoing. The four
adults will appear in court Wednesday morning.
“Justice will be served for these children,” Wilson said.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
