Scioto County deputies rescue children from 'deplorable conditions'

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WCMH) – A Scioto County couple is in custody and four children were hospitalized after their home was found to be in “deplorable condition”.

According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to a home north of Portsmouth after the Scioto County Children Services received an anonymous call asking for a welfare check.

Authorities arrived to a home in the 1200 block of Riddlebarger Road and found four children, ages 1 through 7, living inside the home. Detectives noted that the children were filthy and had multiple injuries. The house was reportedly in “deplorable condition,” filled with trash and infested with bugs.

The children were taken to the hospital for treatment and two adults, 27-year-old David Shepherd and 29-year-old Amanda Shepherd, were arrested.

Charges to the Shepherds include four counts of endangering children in the third degree, three counts of endangering children in the second degree, and three counts of second-degree felonious assault. They are being held at the Scioto County Jail on a $410,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains active and more charges could be added presented to a grand jury at a later date.