Hamden, Ohio — Four adults are facing felony child endangerment charges after law enforcement officers discovered 16 children living in extremely poor conditions inside a rural Ohio home, prompting emergency medical treatment for several of the children and an ongoing criminal investigation.
The children were found Tuesday during a search conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office at a residence in the village of Hamden, about 60 miles southeast of Columbus.
Officials described the conditions inside the home as among the worst they had ever encountered.
Authorities Find 16 Children During Search
Investigators said the children ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old and included both boys and girls.
According to officials, several of the children required immediate medical attention after they were found.
Two of the children were airlifted to Level I trauma centers because of the severity of their medical conditions.
Authorities have not released details about the specific injuries or medical issues affecting the children. Officials also have not confirmed whether all of the children are related to one another.
Four Adults Arrested on Felony Charges
Following the search, investigators arrested four adults:
- Gary Siders Jr.
- Gary Siders Sr.
- Christina Siders
- Elizabeth Siders
Prosecutors said each faces second-degree felony child endangering charges.
Vinton County Prosecuting Attorney William Archer said the charges reflect allegations involving serious physical harm to children.
As of Tuesday, the four suspects had not yet been arraigned or assigned public defenders. Authorities said they are expected to appear in court as the criminal case moves forward.
Officials Describe Scene as ‘Deplorable’
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost described the conditions inside the residence in stark terms during a news conference.
“Conditions you cannot even imagine people being in, let alone children being in.”
He added that the scene was unlike anything he had witnessed during his career.
“It was the worst scene I had ever encountered in my entire career,” he said, describing what investigators found as “pure evil.”
Investigators have not released additional details about the living conditions while the investigation remains active.
Investigation Continues
Authorities emphasized that the case is not believed to involve human trafficking.
Officials also said the adults did not appear to be longtime local residents and may have been traveling before arriving in the area.
Investigators executed an additional search warrant at the property Tuesday as they continued collecting evidence.
Law enforcement agencies have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
Focus Turns to Children’s Recovery
The immediate priority for authorities is ensuring the safety and medical care of the 16 children.
Officials have not announced where the children are currently being cared for or whether child welfare agencies have assumed custody.
Attorney General Yost pledged that the investigation will continue until those responsible are held accountable.
“Justice will be served for these children.”
As investigators continue processing evidence and interviewing witnesses, authorities say more information may be released in the coming days as the case moves through the court system.
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