Sixteen children were rescued from what Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described as one of the worst child endangerment scenes of his career after investigators uncovered what authorities called horrific living conditions inside a southern Ohio home.
Four adults were arrested, several children required emergency medical treatment, and two were airlifted to trauma centers as officials continue investigating what they describe as a complex criminal case.
The children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old, were found Tuesday when investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Ohmer Street in Hamden, a village in Vinton County.
Authorities allege the children suffered serious physical harm as a result of the living conditions inside the home.
Wilson, along with Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain, and Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer announced the arrests following the operation.
Authorities identified the suspects as Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders.
Each has been charged with multiple counts of felony child endangering.
Officials said the investigation had been underway for some time before Tuesday’s search, which stemmed from an unrelated case involving one of the family members.
According to investigators, the children were immediately removed from the property and transported for medical evaluations at hospitals across Ohio.
Several were reported to be in serious condition, and two were airlifted for emergency treatment, according to WOWK.
Authorities have released few details about the children’s specific medical conditions because the investigation remains active.
However, prosecutors said the allegations involve serious physical harm, elevating the charges to second-degree felonies.
During a news conference, Wilson described the scene in stark terms.
“This is pure evil,” he said. “What we saw down here today is pure evil.”
Wilson also called it one of the worst environments he has witnessed during his career in law enforcement and prosecution.
Investigators later revealed additional details about conditions inside the residence.
According to officials, the children were allegedly confined to a roughly 12-by-12-foot area within the home.
Sheriff Cain said there was a significant presence of bacteria and human waste throughout portions of the property.
Investigators said they believe the children had spent much of the previous four years living under those conditions, WTVG reported.
Officials said many of the children required immediate medical evaluation upon being removed from the home.
Authorities also reported the children were not enrolled in school, and investigators said only some of them were able to communicate effectively.
Wilson compared the conditions to those found in impoverished regions of the world and said some livestock are routinely housed in better environments.
Authorities emphasized that the case does not involve human trafficking despite online speculation.
Investigators said the children are related to the adults who were arrested and described the situation as an isolated family matter rather than part of a broader criminal network.
Records reviewed by local media show the home was a small one-story structure with only a handful of rooms and a single bathroom.
Neighbors told reporters they rarely, if ever, saw children outside the residence despite the large number allegedly living there, according to Law & Crime.
Officials also confirmed evidence of additional potential crimes was discovered during the search.
A second search warrant has since been executed, and forensic specialists continue examining evidence recovered from the property.
Prosecutors said further charges remain possible as the investigation progresses.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty Wednesday, and a judge set bond at $300,000 cash or surety for each.
Prosecutors said the investigation remains active and additional charges remain possible as authorities continue evaluating evidence recovered from the property while ensuring the children receive ongoing medical care and are placed in safe living environments.
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