Authorities in Hamden, Ohio, have charged four adults with felony child endangerment after rescuing 16 children from a dilapidated home. The children, ranging in age from 1 1/2 to 18 years old, were found living in wretched conditions with human waste all around, confined to just one room over much of the past four years.

Conditions Described as ‘Disgusting’

According to Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain, the conditions were ‘disgusting’ and ‘like nothing we’ve ever seen before.’ The children were unable to speak, and one 18-year-old was developmentally disabled and couldn’t write her name.

The children’s parents and two grandparents were charged with second-degree felony child endangering, which involves ‘serious physical harm.’ The four adults, Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders, appeared in court and entered not guilty pleas.

Investigation and Rescue

Authorities discovered the children while carrying out a search warrant in an unrelated investigation. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the scene as ‘the type of thing that we’re not used to seeing here in America.’ The children were transported to hospitals, with one in critical condition.

Neighbor Joseph Stewart, 60, said he saw ‘no kids at all’ since the family moved in and described the neighborhood as ‘quiet.’ The house where the children were found sits on a road tucked away alongside a steep railroad embankment.

The case is reminiscent of past horrific cases of family abuse, such as the Turpin family in California, who pleaded guilty to torture and abuse of their 13 children.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.