Daijiworld Media Network – Ohio

Ohio, Jul 2: Authorities in the US state of Ohio have rescued 16 children from a severely neglected home where they were allegedly living in inhumane conditions for years, with four family members arrested on charges of child endangerment.

Officials said the children, aged between 18 months and 18 years, all belonged to the same family and were found malnourished, surrounded by filth and with little or no contact with the outside world.

According to Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, police had arrived at the property with a search warrant as part of an unrelated investigation and were unaware that 16 children were living inside the house.

Investigators later found that none of the children had ever been enrolled in school, while very few people outside the family even knew of their existence.

Police believe the children had been confined to a single 12-foot by 12-foot room for nearly four years. Human waste, garbage and filth were found throughout the property.

Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described the conditions as the worst he had seen during his career.

"Even the animals we raise here live in better conditions than these children," he said.

Authorities said they did not find cages inside the house but have not disclosed how the children were allegedly confined.

Officials said several children struggled to communicate because of prolonged isolation. An 18-year-old girl with an intellectual disability was reportedly unable to write her own name.

Attorney General Wilson said the children "almost appeared to be feral."

Seven children were admitted to hospitals in Columbus following the rescue, with two airlifted due to the severity of their condition. One child remained in critical condition, while the others also required medical treatment and specialised care.

The four accused — Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders — have been charged with second-degree felony child endangerment for allegedly placing the children at substantial risk of serious physical harm.

All four appeared before a court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty through the court. Bail was set at USD 300,000 for each accused.

Investigators said the family had deliberately avoided obtaining medical records and official documentation for the children, making it difficult for authorities to detect the alleged abuse. Officials are also examining whether any complaints had previously been made to child protection agencies.

The house, located near railway tracks in the village of Hamden, was surrounded by dense trees and bushes. Neighbours said they had never seen children playing outside despite the family living there for years.

Following the rescue, all 16 children have been placed under the temporary care of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Authorities said the children's medical treatment, emotional recovery and long-term rehabilitation remain the immediate priority as the investigation continues.