Ohio AG: 'Almost indescribable', details released about scene after 16 children found in 'deplorable' conditions [View all]

https://www.wsaz.com/2026/07/01/ag-almost-beyond-comprehension-details-released-about-scene-after-children-found-deplorable-conditions/

AG: ‘Almost indescribable’, details released about scene after children found in ‘deplorable’ conditions
UPDATE 7/1/26 @ 1:14 p.m.

VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - It’s a case officials are calling “almost indescribable.” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson released new information about a child neglect case in Vinton County Wednesday afternoon, along with Sheriff Ryan Cain and other investigators.

Four people were arrested and charged after investigators searched a home in the Hamden area and discovered 16 children inside Tuesday.

AG Wilson said seven of those children were taken to Columbus hospitals, and at least two of them were life-flighted. He said the children have limited communication skills, and some of them can’t communicate at all. They range in ages from one and a half to 18 years old.

Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders are all facing 16 second-degree felony counts of child endangerment in the case.

Sheriff Ryan Cain described it as a “disgusting scene”, and mentioned that most livestock is kept in better conditions than these children were. Cain said a large number of the children were kept in a roughly 12x12 area, which he said seems to be where they spent most of the last four years.

When asked, officials said neighbors in the area had no idea there were even children inside the home.