‘This is pure evil’: 16 children rescued from ‘horrific’ Ohio home

ATHENS, Ohio (TCN) -- Four adults have been charged with child endangerment after a search warrant executed at their home revealed 16 children living in conditions that authorities described as “horrific.” 

The June 30 warrant led to the rescue of 16 children, ranging in age from 1 to 18, according to WUOB. Many of them were in serious condition and were transported to hospitals for treatment. Some were airlifted to Level 1 trauma centers due to the seriousness of their injuries or conditions. 

WBNS reports that four adult family members, 73-year-old Gary Siders Sr., 36-year-old Gary Siders Jr., 67-year-old Christina Siders, and 33-year-old Elizabeth Siders, were taken into custody and each charged with 17 counts of child endangerment. WOIO reports they were charged once for each child found and the final charge was for serious physical harm.

All pleaded not guilty at their arraignments July 1, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Bond was set at $300,000 for each suspect.

At a press conference on June 30, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said, “This is pure evil.” He said human trafficking was not a factor. WLWT reports the suspects are the parents and grandparents of the children.

A second search warrant is being executed and Wilson said the home is in such bad condition that it may be unsafe for investigators to enter.

At the press conference, WUOB reports that Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain said, “The scene is horrific and these are horrific allegations.” 

The Columbus Dispatch reports that a neighbor was unaware there were even children in the home, which, according to county auditor records obtained by the outlet, is 1,336 square feet. As far as ownership, it is listed as the trustee of a woman who died in 2025.

WSLS reports that the family lived in the home for four years and the children appeared to spend most of their time in one room. Wilson said it was “beyond comprehension” and that the conditions there were “almost third world.” According to Wilson, the 18-year-old could not spell her own name and that the children lived like “feral animals,” WLWT reports.

The children were not enrolled in school and that the 18-year-old is included in the child endangerment charges because they are developmentally a minor, ABC News reports. All of the children are being placed into temporary custody.

The investigation is ongoing and KRON reports more charges could be forthcoming.

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