Middletown couple jailed over home conditions
Officers found holes in walls and no food after a school reported two children appeared dirty and hungry.
By Emmanuel Ellis ·
Police in Middletown, Ohio, arrested Melanie and Christopher Todd this week after finding their home in deplorable shape. The couple faces four counts of child endangerment and multiple counts of animal cruelty.
The investigation began on Sept. 29. Middletown City Schools reported that two 10-year-old children looked dirty and told staff they had no food to eat. The children also mentioned that two cats were dead inside their house.
Officers arrived at the couple’s home on Cardinal Court to conduct a welfare check. They described the living conditions as deplorable and unlivable. The floors were covered in dirty clothes, trash, animal feces, and debris. The house was also infested with bedbugs and cockroaches.
Officers found holes large enough to see outside in the walls and floors. One of the four children told police the holes came from punching when the parents got angry. The home contained little to no edible food.
Police removed all four children from the home. The kids are now staying with other family members. Officers also took four cats, pet fish, mice, gerbils, and pet tarantulas to safety.
Both parents are currently in custody at Butler County Jail. They are scheduled for arraignment on Thursday.
Source: WWSB
