Newly unsealed court documents show county officials investigated the welfare of 16 Ohio children back in 2020 and 2021, years before police found them confined to a single room during a warrant search earlier this summer.
Authorities originally discovered the 16 children on June 30 when officers arrived at the residence to serve an arrest warrant on an adult for unrelated charges. Officials described the living conditions as “horrific,” and Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said the children were confined to one room and lived like “feral animals.” Several of the children required immediate medical treatment at regional hospitals, and all 16 are now in state custody.
Following the discovery, four adult relatives living in the home were arrested: father Gary Siders Jr., 36; mother Elizabeth Siders, 33; grandmother Christina Siders, 68; and grandfather Gary Siders Sr., 73. All four defendants received approval for competency hearings. Gary Siders Sr. was released on his own recognizance on Aug. 4.
On Aug. 21, a grand jury indicted Gary Jr., Christina, and Elizabeth Siders on 19 counts of child endangerment each, while Gary Siders Sr. was indicted on 16 counts of child endangerment.
“The indictments in this case include charges in the alternative, meaning that multiple counts or different theories of a crime have been charged for the same acts. Doing so allows for a more complete and appropriate presentation of evidence to the court and jury,” Wilson said.
Authorities first uncovered the family’s living situation while looking into sexual abuse allegations involving two children. That investigation centered on an uncle, 40-year-old Brandon Henderson Sr., and 23-year-old Josh Saunders, identified in records as the children’s cousin.
On Aug. 21, grand jurors also indicted Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders on two counts each of sexual battery and unlawful sexual contact involving a minor outside their immediate family.
Records obtained from Gallia County, where the family previously resided, show child welfare caseworkers launched their first inquiry in March 2020 after the children missed virtual classes or failed to attend school entirely. Evaluators at the time noted an 11-year-old child could only count to 12 and could not write the alphabet, while a 7-year-old could not speak in complete sentences.
A judge placed the family under county protective supervision while keeping the children with their parents. That order ended in October 2020 after the parents completed required parenting classes and secured housing.
Two months later, in December 2020, a caseworker visited the residence and reported finding 10 children living in hazardous conditions.
Medical exams found lead present in the children, inspectors noted roach and insect infestations, and caseworkers documented physical marks including bruises and scratches.
While a judge reinstated protective services in January 2021, the children remained in the home. The court closed that case in May 2021 after determining the parents had made ‘sufficient progress.’
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