Four arrested in southern Ohio child endangerment case

Ohio authorities arrested four adults after investigators found 16 children living in what officials described as “deplorable” conditions inside a home in the village of Hamden.

Hamden is about 60 miles southeast of Columbus. 

The children ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old, according to investigators. Several required urgent medical treatment, and two children were airlifted to Level I trauma centers because of the severity of their conditions. The investigation began Tuesday after the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the property. Authorities said the case remains active as investigators continue searching the home and collecting evidence.  

Law enforcement identified the four suspects as Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders. Prosecutors charged each with second-degree felony child endangerment because the allegations involve serious physical harm to children, according to Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer. The suspects had not yet been assigned public defenders at the time authorities announced the arrests. Additionally, investigators have not disclosed whether additional charges could follow as forensic examinations continue.  

Hamden child endangerment investigation continues

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the conditions inside the home as unlike anything he had encountered during his career. During a news conference Tuesday evening, Wilson said investigators found circumstances that no child should experience and called the scene “pure evil.” Officials also revealed that some portions of the property required additional search warrants. Investigators needed more time to safely process evidence.  

Authorities have released only limited information about the children’s medical conditions to protect their privacy. Officials confirmed, however, that every child underwent medical evaluation after being removed from the home. The children included both boys and girls spanning infancy through late adolescence.

According to investigators:

• Sixteen children were removed from the residence.
• Ages ranged from approximately 18 months to 18 years.
• Two children required emergency air transport.
• Multiple children needed immediate medical treatment.
• The criminal investigation remains ongoing.  

Officials have not identified the children’s identities or explained how long they had lived at the property.

Authorities reject human trafficking rumors

As news of the case spread across Ohio and social media, investigators addressed speculation surrounding the circumstances. Attorney General Wilson and local prosecutors stated that they do not believe the investigation involves human trafficking. Officials also said the four adults were not residents of Vinton County and appeared to have been traveling before arriving in Hamden.

Investigators have not confirmed whether the children are biologically related to the suspects or whether they were under legal guardianship arrangements. Authorities declined to answer additional questions because the investigation remains active.  

Several media organizations, including the Associated Press, WHIO-TV, and Gray News through WOIO, independently reported the same information following Tuesday’s press conference. Each outlet noted that investigators continue executing search warrants while forensic specialists examine evidence collected from the property.  

Hamden child endangerment case draws statewide attention

The case has become one of Ohio’s most significant child welfare investigations in recent years because of both the number of children involved and the condition in which authorities found them. Hamden is a village of fewer than 1,000 residents in rural Vinton County. As a result, the discovery was particularly shocking for the surrounding community. State investigators have emphasized that protecting the children’s privacy remains a priority while criminal proceedings move forward.  

Authorities said additional investigative teams, including computer forensic specialists and laboratory personnel, have joined the case. Officials indicated evidence recovered during the search may lead investigators to examine other potential criminal offenses. However, they have not announced any new charges.

Wilson also said his office has coordinated with state agencies and the governor’s office to ensure resources remain available for both the investigation and the children’s care. Prosecutors expect the criminal case to evolve as investigators complete interviews, medical examinations, and forensic analysis.  

Child welfare investigations often involve multiple agencies because authorities must coordinate criminal evidence, emergency medical treatment, and long-term placement for affected children. In Ohio, reports of suspected child abuse or neglect are investigated through county child protective services. Criminal allegations may involve local law enforcement, BCI, and prosecutors. More information about Ohio’s child protection process is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Investigative responsibilities are outlined by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

As of Wednesday, investigators had not released further details about the children’s identities, their relationship to the suspects, or what initially prompted the search warrant. Authorities said they expect the investigation to continue for some time as detectives process evidence and determine whether additional charges are warranted. Officials have pledged to pursue accountability while ensuring the children receive the medical care and support they need.