Officials announced on Wednesday that four individuals have been taken into custody after authorities discovered 16 children living in squalid conditions in a rural home in Ohio. The children reportedly required immediate medical attention.
The alarming discovery was made during a search operation at a residence located in Hamden, approximately 60 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, according to state Attorney General Andy Wilson, who disclosed the findings at a press briefing.
“These were conditions unimaginable for anyone, let alone for children,” commented Wilson, as he expressed his shock and concern over the situation.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, alongside law enforcement officials, provided details regarding the arrests following the discovery of the children living in “deplorable” conditions in a secluded home. (Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson)
All of the children have since been removed from the environment. Wilson described the scene as the most horrifying he has seen in his career, labeling it “pure evil.” Some of the children were found in critical condition, with two requiring transport to Level 1 trauma centers due to the severity of their injuries.
“If they had waited 24 hours, there is a very high probability that we’d be dealing with a death, or multiple deaths, of these children,” Wilson said.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described horrid conditions, saying there was a high presence of feces and bacterial matter.
This image taken from video released by the Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson shows Wilson speaking during a press conference Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson via AP)
“Most of the livestock was kept in better condition than the children,” Cain said.
The suspects — Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders — were charged with 16 counts of second-degree child endangering. A judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf during a Wednesday court hearing and set a $300,000 bond for all four.
Officials didn’t confirm if the children were related, but said they ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old and included both boys and girls.
“Justice will be served for these children,” Wilson said.
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer clarified that the suspects are not originally from Vinton County.
“This is an intra-family situation. This is not human trafficking. There is nothing to put our other children at risk,” Archer said.
On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was being kept informed on the case.
“It is heartbreaking to learn the conditions that these children were living in, and to learn of their medical conditions,” he said. “Attorney General Wilson is an experienced prosecutor, and he has told me he has never seen anything like what he saw today. Fran and I pray for these children, and thank the children’s services workers, law enforcement officers, and medical personnel who are helping them.”