Authorities said the children were found in severe neglect inside a rural Hamden residence.
HAMDEN, Ohio — Four adults have been charged with felony child endangerment after authorities said 16 children were found living in severe neglect inside a rural southeastern Ohio home.
The children, ranging in age from about 18 months to 18 years, were removed from a home in Hamden after investigators arrived during a separate inquiry. Officials said several children needed hospital care, and child welfare workers took temporary custody as the criminal case moved into Vinton County court.
Authorities identified the charged adults as Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders. Prosecutors said the children were part of the same family and had been living in dangerous and unsanitary conditions. Each adult faces multiple felony counts connected to the welfare of the children. A judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf during an initial court appearance, and bond was set at $300,000 each.
Investigators said the children appeared to have been confined for long periods in a small area of the home. Officials described the conditions as among the worst they had seen, with reports of human waste, filth and signs that the children had been kept away from regular school, medical care and public contact. Some children were described by officials as unable to speak clearly or provide basic information about themselves.
The case began when the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office and state investigators went to the property in Hamden, a village in rural southern Ohio. Authorities have said the discovery was not tied to human trafficking. Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer described it as an intra-family case and said investigators were still reviewing how long the children had lived under the alleged conditions.
Seven children were taken to hospitals, officials said. Two were flown to trauma centers for emergency care, and one was reported to be in critical condition after the discovery. Authorities have not released the children’s names, citing their ages and the nature of the case. Officials also have not provided a full medical update for each child.
Neighbors said they were stunned by the arrests and did not know so many children were inside the home. Some said they rarely saw children outside the property. Investigators said the family appeared to have avoided normal oversight systems, including school and medical records, making it harder for authorities or community members to know what was happening inside.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted local authorities in processing the scene. Investigators were expected to continue reviewing records, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from the property. Prosecutors said the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
The children remained in protective custody as of Sunday, July 5, while the four adults awaited the next steps in Vinton County court.
Author note: Last updated July 5, 2026.