Eight Kentucky relatives have been arrested in a sprawling child abuse investigation after authorities rescued seven children from what officials described as a “deplorable” home filled with feces. Several suspects face charges including incest, rape and human trafficking.
The children, ranging in age from 1 to 17, were discovered Thursday when Richmond police executed a search warrant at the residence, Fox56 reported. Investigators said the youngsters were living in “very filthy and deplorable” conditions.
Court documents say 15 people were inside the home, along with 10 dogs and a cat. Officers reported feces on the floors and stairs, as well as a powerful odor of urine throughout the property.
All eight adults, whose ages range from 21 to 63, were taken into custody and charged with offenses related to abuse or neglect, police said. The investigation remains active.
Green Schindler, 63, the oldest suspect, faces charges of human trafficking, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.
Schindler was also among four people charged with incest. The others are 30-year-old twin brothers Mark and Matthew Brumbaugh, and 28-year-old Sarah Carter. Carter additionally faces a charge of distributing obscene matter.
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Richard Carter, 45, was charged with human trafficking and first-degree rape.
Johnna Carter, 21, Christine Carter, 41, and Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21, face various abuse and neglect charges, many involving children younger than 13.
Authorities have not detailed how the suspects are related to one another, saying only that they are all family members. Police also have not disclosed the individual relationships between the adults and the children, who were placed in the care of Social Services.
“Additional charges may be incurred pending further investigation,” the Richmond Police Department said.
“Community members are encouraged to report any information regarding this case.”