Four people have been taken into custody after 16 children were discovered living in “deplorable” conditions and requiring medical treatment in a rural Ohio home, officials said Wednesday.
State Attorney General Andy Wilson announced at a news conference that the children were discovered during a search of the home in Hamden, Ohio, located 60 miles southeast of Columbus. Wilson described conditions that he could hardly picture adults, let alone children, experiencing.
The children were removed from their household. Wilson described it as “pure evil,” the worst scene he had ever witnessed in his job. Two individuals were airlifted to Level 1 trauma facilities due to their severe injuries. “If they had waited 24 hours, there is a very good chance that one or more of these children would have died,” Wilson said.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described unsanitary conditions with a high presence of excrement and bacterial debris. “The majority of the livestock was kept in better condition than the children,” Cain explained.
Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders face 16 counts of second-degree child endangerment. During a court hearing on Wednesday, a judge entered not guilty pleas for all four and set a $300,000 bond.
Officials did not confirm if the youngsters were connected but stated they ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old, with both males and girls. “Justice will be served to these children,” Wilson stated.
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer stated that the suspects are not from Vinton County. This is an intra-family situation. This isn’t human trafficking. “There is nothing that puts our other children in danger,” Archer added.
On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stated that he is being kept informed on the case. It is distressing to learn of the conditions in which these youngsters lived, as well as their medical issues,” he stated. ” Attorney General Wilson is an experienced prosecutor, and he has told me that he has never seen anything like what he witnessed today. Fran and I pray for these children and appreciate the children’s services professionals, law enforcement authorities, and medical personnel who are assisting them.”
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