I wasn't able to remove it yet. >> So, one of them's in there. >> I think that that one Almost. >> The cages are filled with feces and urine and flies and maggots, and there is no way to dog. >> That was the the worst house I have been in so far. >> Some parents are capable of subjecting their children to unbelievable conditions, believing their mistreatment will go unnoticed by the law. But, what happens when cops step in and surprise these parents, completely shattering those illusions? >> I'm not letting you >> Close the door. >> We have officers here. >> For a dirty house? >> It's on the >> Dirty? >> Oh, Jesus. >> I think this is enough. >> These were the moments when cops surprised nightmare parents in their house of horror. We begin with a case where a welfare check on dogs quickly escalated into the discovery of a nasty and unsettling secret that two parents were trying to hide. >> Make sure that those dogs inside are taken care of, right? Will you allow me Will you take me inside so I can see the dogs? >> I will happily bring them out to you. >> Okay. >> I think he's almost almost gone. >> And when I tell you, it's probably probably what, 30 30 dogs, maybe even maybe even more. >> On August 28th, 2023, officers from the Evesham Police Department received a call from a foster coordinator who noticed that a dog from a nearby residence was missing and that the homeowners were attempting to pass off a different animal as the same one. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered one of the family members whose behavior immediately raised suspicions. >> How are you guys? >> Hi, how are you? >> What Who lives here? >> I do. >> You do? Okay. You know why I'm here? >> I do not, actually. >> Okay. So, a gentleman came, he got those two dogs from you earlier? >> Yeah. >> Okay, those dogs are not taken care of in any way, all right? >> Yeah, that's um That's Lynn. She's a >> Okay. >> part of the rescue. >> So, how many other dogs do you have? >> Me? >> Yeah. >> Eight. >> Inside the house? Are they a part of the rescue? >> No. >> Okay. They're your dogs? >> Uh majority of them are, yes. Uh there's one with another rescue, and there's two with another one. >> Okay. So, obviously, due to the fact that the two other dogs that I saw weren't cared for, all right? I'm going to ask you if I can see the other dogs you have to make sure they're in good health, all right? If you refuse to do so, we're going to get a search warrant, and I'm going to take those dogs if that search warrant gets approved. I don't want to go that route. I don't think it's necessary, but I actually have to do my dog my job, make sure that those dogs inside are taken care of, right? Are they taken care of? >> Yeah. >> You see Yeah, in your shirt. >> Well, I mean, to be honest, I mean, we we battled um Oh my god, what was the name of it? >> Parvo. >> Okay. >> We battled parvo, um, and uh, there's still a few that are, you know, they still have coccidia, so diarrhea and, you know what I mean? Like, there's >> Um, or will you allow me Will you take me inside so I can see the dogs? >> I will happily bring them out to you. >> Okay. But, I'm not going to have you go back in the house, all right? So, it's it's either I I come in and see them, or I go the search warrant route, and you're not allowed back in your house until we find out whether I get that search warrant approved or not, right? And I And I don't want to go that way. I don't think it's necessary. Um >> I don't understand like granted like those dogs that the guy Andrew has, all right? They were listed under Lynn's Rescue, so how does that >> They're in your care. Okay? So, the dogs are in your care. You have other dogs in there that are under your care, all right? >> The woman, 35-year-old Rebecca Halbach, immediately resisted the officer's attempt to enter the house. And as the questioning continued, her behavior increasingly showed that something was deeply wrong. >> You You said if you saw the dogs, right? >> And they're And they're not in good health. I'd ask if you're willing to turn turn the dogs over to me. So, what would happen is I would contact our uh animal shelter I work with. I'm I'm the humane officer here, right? So, that's why I'm here talking to you. >> Okay. So, if they're not in good health, we'll have the shelter come. You'll turn them over, the shelter will take them, and they'll get them back into good health, all right? >> So, so this is what This is what what I want >> asking like Because I'm sorry. Like, I'm not trying to be rude, but you don't have to be >> No, you're you're good. >> You just Do you mind? Um because of the whole Like, I I want to be honest with you, but I've never I've never been in trouble. I've never been arrested. I don't want the rescue to go down. I don't want like to go to jail. >> So, >> There was I'm just saying like the whole parvo thing. Like What happens like >> So, the dogs had parvo. I I know what parvo is. I've Yeah. Like I said, I'm the humane officer. >> what if what if, let's say, I wasn't able to remove it yet? >> So, one of them's in there, and you didn't pick dry. Again, we'll cross that path when we get there. If that's the case, then >> Am I going to get arrest like in trouble? >> So, you're going to get you're going to get in some trouble regardless. Am I taking you away in handcuffs and stuff? No. If you work with me, I'm not trying to embarrass you in front of your neighbors. I'm not trying to do all that. Whatever you want to do to make this process easier is only going to benefit both of us. >> Right. >> Obviously, right? The dogs in there There's other dogs that are sick. My only goal right now today at this moment is to get those dogs out of here. As long as you are willing to consent to do that, it's a lot lot easier, and I get it. You're working for this rescue. >> Well, I resigned. I resigned because a bunch of happened because that guy >> one point, you were, right? >> Yeah. >> Rebecca began to ask truly unsettling questions, knowing what the officers were about to discover inside the house. But although she might have believed that the naturalness she was trying to portray would help her, she was deeply wrong. >> How many dogs alive do you have in there? >> Even if they're not mine? >> It doesn't matter. What whatever Yeah, whatever Yeah, all all Yeah, all the dogs in there. >> There's There's Philip. He's a black and white pit. There's um Harley. She's a little baby shepherd. >> Just in in total like >> I I'm I'm trying I know them by their names and their and their faces. So, that's two. Then I have Nico. He's a He's a red pit puppy. >> Okay. >> And then Under him is Camellia. She's like a some type of shepherd mix. She's a puppy. She's probably a big. Um And then Um cuz they're all downstairs. And between the there's a couple There's a Yorkie. There's a couple Maltese. And Oh, god. >> I got your prior >> so like So, they're all downstairs. So, it would be like >> 10? >> Um Brandy left. >> I'll tell you what. Can you >> So, okay. So, hold on. So, there's one 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 >> Shortly after, another family member arrived who also did not seem very happy with the officer's presence at the scene. >> No worries, sir. Good. I'm also allowed to go on a from East Champ. Um just letting you know I got a body worn camera that's recording. I got to say it legally. So, just to fill you in on on the situation here obviously with I got alerted to the situation in here. I'm a humane officer for our township. So, um your wife was back at home. Um so, I came here and spoke with Rebecca. She's going to turn over the dogs to us today. We're waiting on the animal control officer with the van to get here. So, the dogs, the cats, and all the animals are going to go. The live ones and the ones with the animal control officer. >> Who are you talking to? >> Who is he? >> Uh, it's my father. >> I I want to say you speak coordinate to hear everything. Or, okay. Um, I don't want to, you know. So, obviously animal control is coming for all the animals inside alive and >> Right. >> Um, she's working with us. So, there's two There's two different ways this could have went. It's either you guys work with me, I get the consent, and it's nice and smooth, and and we deal with it. >> Mhm. >> Or, no one's allowed in the house, I get a search warrant, we go that way. Obviously, no one wants to go that way. >> Right. >> It's not necessary, right? >> The animal control officer is going to come. She's going to take the dogs. She's going to transport them to the different animal hospitals. >> Okay. >> Cuz Mount Laurel's only capable of of handling four. And whatever she's She's going to figure that out. Then once she takes all those dogs to the animal hospital, she'll come back and take the deceased ones. >> Okay, the ones that are in the the cages here >> Yeah, so she'll come back and take all that. In the meantime, I'm going to throw some gloves and a mask on. I'm going to I got to take my photos. You can be with me. >> Okay. Can I just I I just have to pee? >> Yeah, you're good. Yeah, go ahead. Whatever you got to You guys have been totally working with me. Yeah, whatever you got to do, handle. Go pee. >> Okay, and then when I guess when I'm done >> back, I'll I'll take the photos here. I mean, I need to >> Yeah, you said that earlier. And do we have to do that paper or >> Yeah, we'll handle all that when you have to pee. >> Okay. >> Stop it. All right, please stop it. I'm not worried about it. Whatever you guys got to do. >> The man seen here was identified as 32-year-old Brandon Leckey, who was a homeowner alongside Rebecca. Despite the couple's discomfort, the officers decided to step into the residence where they discovered a disgusting and unsettling scene. >> Are there any animals in the fridge? >> Huh? >> Are there any animals in the fridge? >> Oh, no, no, you can open that mean, by all means. No, no freezer, no. >> Okay. >> Yeah, open it. There's nothing in there. >> And then these guys here. I think that that one's bad. Almost. Yeah, I think I think he's almost almost gone. But then there's these guys RIGHT HERE, TOO. HERE YOU GO, FOLLOW HIM. OH, ARE THESE THESE ARE ALL >> THAT was litter box. This is the same same case. That is >> Dylan >> That one's the case. That's number 20. There There's one that was the case in that one. >> From where? >> From that one was from uh yeah, parvo and then this one, yes. Then him I wasn't able to get all the cases and that, too, yes. >> Okay. And then the one These These ones behind you. >> Yeah. >> I don't know if you got these, Dylan. >> I got that one. >> And then that one. >> Do these These all have animals in them? >> Um truthfully, yeah, a lot of these were were the puppies that perished from the beginning stages of parvo. >> Okay. These are all >> Yeah. >> And then here, too? >> No, no, no, that's trash. >> Okay. >> That's basically trash. That's clothes. You can look in the dressers for clothes. >> Inside the residence, the officers found more than 30 deceased dogs, some in a state of decomposition, and 14 still alive in deplorable conditions. The house was filled with dirt and animal But another unsettling detail emerged. The couple wasn't living alone, and a 9-year-old child was being subjected to eating, sleeping, and living in what that house had become, a living hell. The entire case was extremely disturbing, even for the experienced officers. >> All different types. There's like a German Shepherd, there's a dead German Shepherd, there's like pit bull mixes, and it's They're all different, small Yorkies. They're all in cages, but the cages are still with feces and urine and flies and maggots, and there's multiple dogs in cages that are decomposed, and there's there's maggots on the floor. You open that door. That's what That's That was the the worst house I have been in so far. Including all the body ones. It is that bad in there. >> How many um live dogs would you say? >> Two in the first kitchen. Two in the kitchen. Two more in the living room, so that's six. One upstairs, seven. Minimum seven. What's that? At least seven that >> Yeah. >> Yeah, well, I think >> Probably more than that. >> That's probably 10. >> 10's probably it. Yeah, yeah, so there's about 10 You want to say 10 live dogs? And when I tell you, it's probably it's probably worth 30 30 dogs, maybe even maybe even more, cuz uh we didn't we didn't open anything, but there were some in trash bags and containers and bins and dead >> Are they fully decomposed? >> Yeah, they're fully fully fully several fully decomposed dogs, some half composed, some probably recently. It I mean it >> The conditions inside the house were extremely severe and the presence of a child inside only made the case worse. Although Rebecca had tried to portray the situation as dogs who passed away due to a sickness, nothing could explain the fact that she had kept the dogs and lied to everybody about their well-being and both she and Brandon were about to learn how the law deals with people like them. >> All right. Rebecca, you're not going to like this. Can we step over here? Now if they would have pulled the dogs out across here, told us to place them over there. All right. Let's walk over there. >> All right. >> Where your son can see. >> Yeah, please. >> In case he's looking out the window. >> Uh he shouldn't be, but >> We'll go uh >> He should be in He >> We'll stand right here for right now. All right. Just face the car. Then actually grab your phone for me now so I don't have to. >> Can I power it off? >> Yeah. Do whatever you want to do. And it'll come with us. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Yeah. I'm going to I'm going to cry like a baby, so do you have any paper towels or something to wipe my >> What's your name? Yeah, once we get back, yeah. >> Okay. >> It's not as It's not as scary as you think it is. >> I've never I've never been in trouble. I It's weird. Okay. >> It's not as scary as you think it is. All right. So, unfortunately, does he have somewhere to go stay with? Or something? >> My yeah, my best friend who is her cousin right next to her. >> Okay. Um cuz they do Do you me to place you under arrest as well? For charges, yeah. >> What? For what? >> For animal cruelty. >> Towards the animals? >> Now, again, just because you're charged with it doesn't mean you're guilty, but at this moment you you are going to be placed under arrest. Taken back to the station, interviewed, processed, and from there either released or not released. All right, but you can just smoke your cigarette, finish that, and then >> How does this That's what I don't understand. How does this What is my tie to this? I wasn't with the rest >> You I know >> Well, it's not her fault. >> that you're you're living in a house with 30 dogs. >> I I don't know. >> That's what I Like But again, right? I'm not trying to be sarcastic or anything. >> No, I know you're >> You're correct. You're not with it. And but that's something that you have to express in court, not with me. I don't have a choice in the matter. Uh but either way it's happening, so >> Rebecca and Brandon were initially charged with endangering the welfare of a young person and with animal cruelty. As the investigation continued, authorities discovered more deceased animals buried in the residence, raising the number of deceased dogs from 30 to 100. It was also discovered that the couple had been receiving $7,000 to care for the animals, but this money was never used for the dogs, raising suspicions that the couple had been keeping it for themselves. In the end, Rebecca was sentenced to 3 years in prison, while Brandon was sentenced to 90 days in prison. Up next, we have a case where parents truly believed their irresponsible actions would go unnoticed until officers appeared. >> The lady that lives underneath here came to my apartment and said that they had heard a baby up there screaming. >> I don't know where the mom is. Where's mommy? >> It's not her fault. >> Not her fault for what? The fact that the house looks trashed? >> On April 29th, 2023, officers were called after someone heard a child crying inside a residence. According to the caller, the toddler had been left alone while the couple was at a store with their other children. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer located the apartment, but there was no sign of an adult nearby. >> Has anyone tried checking on this apartment? >> the social workers out. >> Uh-huh. >> But the lady that lives underneath there came to my apartment and said that they had heard a baby up there screaming. >> Yeah, I can hear the baby near the door. >> I don't know where the mom is. I have the keys to the unit. Is there really a baby screaming? >> No, she just comes up to the door when you knock on this one. >> Sorry. >> Hello. >> You want me to call my maintenance supervisor? I have the keys. >> you have the keys? >> Yeah. >> Now, let's go ahead and make entry. >> Do you want to make entry? >> Yeah, let's go ahead. >> Do you want to wait for the other officer? Here are the keys. >> Mama. Hello. Let me check. >> Where is Mommy? >> Stay here. Go go downstairs. Hold on. Hold on. Come here, Mama. Stay here. >> Call out, please. >> Sit here, Mommy. Sit down. >> Hello. >> Sit here. Don't move. Stay. >> Back from apartment 41. >> Call out, please. Call out, please. If you're in here, make yourself known. Did you check behind the bed? Do you have contact information for the person who's supposed to be living here? >> Yeah, but it's in my office. >> Let's go get it. Inside the house, the officers found the toddler, but the case deepened even more when they saw that the apartment was filthy. Shortly after the responsible parties arrived at the scene, along with their excuses. Excuse me. How's it going? Who are you to her? >> I'm the baby daddy. >> The baby daddy? Do you live here, too? >> No, sir. >> You don't live here? >> No, sir. >> What were you and her doing? >> We were just talking to her real quick. >> Okay. Do you ever visit that apartment at all? >> No. >> All right. She doesn't live like that? >> She don't, but over the course >> Mhm. >> of I want to say I don't know, maybe a year or so. She had a lot of mental issues. >> Mhm. >> And um when I did used to stay here, >> Mhm. >> there was a lot going on at the time. >> Okay. >> And basically, it's it's not her fault. >> Not her fault for what? The way she The The fact that the house looks trashed? Okay. Is >> It is. >> Let me ask you this. How many kids >> do you guys have between you two? >> Between us? >> Okay. Are the kids in the back seats also yours? >> One of them. >> Okay. And the other one is hers? >> Yes, sir. >> Do all these kids live with her? >> Yes, sir. >> Is there a reason why y'all went to the dollar store and left one of them in the in that apartment? >> She was sleeping. No, we were just right quick. We were going to go get her. >> Where is she sleeping? >> She was sleeping in um the mama's room. >> All right, the mama's kid? Okay. We got called out here cuz the neighbors heard the baby screaming and we had to get the manager to open the door for us for us to find the kid alone in a house that looks like that. That's pretty dangerous for that kid. Where is the baby at? >> My baby? >> Yeah. >> What baby? >> The one that's that's sleeping. >> Come on. >> All right. Just making sure. Ma'am, just real quick. Do you guys have family in this area? Not you. What about >> Um I think it's my mama. I think it's my brother. >> Like how close? >> What's wrong, papa? >> Like where does she live at? >> Um probably not that far from here or if it's um it's I think it's the mama but I think she got something to do. >> Okay. >> The woman seen here was identified as 29-year-old Jamie Warren, the mother of the toddler. Although her boyfriend, identified as Tanner Garrison Smith, had tried to explain that she was suffering from mental issues, nothing could justify leaving the child alone and the officers made their decision. >> Mr. Clark. All right, due to circumstances going around with all this situation, we're going to place you under arrest, all right? >> What what what did I do? >> Well, what is this mission? For child >> I >> Hands behind your back, hands behind your back. >> We'll explain everything. >> No, no, come >> No. Hands behind your back, all right? Come on. >> Are we serious right now? >> Yep, we're serious. >> What what did I do? Can can I call my job? Can I call my job? >> Shh. >> She said I was at I was at work, man. I was at work. >> Yep. >> Call my job, man. Don't do what you're going to do this. Call my job, before y'all do this. Call my job, before y'all do this. Y'all doing it wrong. Y'all being wrong, bro. Come on, call my job. >> We'll call you. >> No, no, we will no. No, I refuse. I refuse. No. >> You can't refuse. You're under arrest. >> Why are you putting me under arrest? I was at work. >> They're still your children. >> But I was AT WORK. I'M CLOCKED IN RIGHT NOW. CALL MY JOB, BEFORE YOU DO THIS. >> PICK HER UP AND TAKE her to the store? >> NO, I MET them at the store, bro. You know, you can't arrest me. I wasn't even here. I wasn't even here, bro. I was AT CALL MY JOB, RIGHT NOW. CALL MY JOB. NO. >> We will confirm it with your job. Here, we need you to sit at the car first. >> I'm not sitting at no car, man. Call my job, bro. Call my job. Look, Calasima. I'm calling her right now. I will call them. I will call them. >> You can call them, but then I'm going to call them, cuz I don't know who you're calling. >> We're here. In my phone, give me my phone. >> Do you have the number? >> Give me my phone. I got the job phone, right here. That's the job phone, which is this phone, but my manager's number is in my phone. Unlock my phone. Let me unlock my phone, and I can call her. >> We will We will do this. >> No, no, sir. Just can you listen to me? You said your job treated you Yes, sir. >> Okay. We'll We'll We'll ask for your manager through that. >> Yes, this is the phone, right here. For >> but it confirms it. It confirms it for us, to make sure we're getting the right person. >> All you have to do is let me unlock my phone. >> All right. >> Cuz y'all can't arrest cuz then I'll take the kids home. >> We We have people to take care of the kids, in case this is the end of the case. >> And how can y'all arrest me? I even told you I wasn't here. >> Stanner was clearly stressed and anxious about the situation. As the investigation continued, and he didn't stop his behavior, Damia appeared once again, trying to free her boyfriend from the situation. >> That is not a safe condition for children. There's pesticide everywhere. There's little hazards everywhere on the ground. Got to see that. >> Hey, you tell all of US >> SIR. >> SIR. I'M NOT TALKING TO YOU, PLEASE. >> OKAY. LISTEN HE WAS NOT HE WAS NOT HERE. IF HE WAS AT WORK, he was not here. I've been here all day by myself. He doesn't live here with you? >> No, I told your officers that. >> The officer over here is telling me something different. >> I told them both I don't stay here. >> He don't stay here. He have his own place. He stay by his stuff. He's not here. My two youngest two are not here. THIS IS MY OLDEST one is not here, so oldest one is my her daddy's phone number. He was at work. If you put like >> I I I understand what you're telling me. I've got to go off of what my officers tell me. >> But your officers >> But your off my officer is saying you said you came and picked her up and gave her a ride home. >> No, how I don't have license, sir. If your officers would have did their job correctly, they would have seen it. >> Well, everything that you would have told him would have been on body cam. >> them. >> So, he's got to go off of what the officer is saying. >> I told him I don't stay here and I didn't pick her up. Check this cameras, bro. >> Stop. Stop. >> He don't got HIS MAMA PHONE. I PULLED IT UP. THAT OTHER GENTLEMAN I FOLLOWED HIM WHEN HE WAS UPSTAIRS. I got out the driver's seat. He was not in the driver's seat. I was driving. >> Well, let me talk to him. >> He got a job phone in my hand and y'all still Y'all need me to get up. >> Protect me, SIR, MAN. >> THEY AIN'T EVEN GOING TO LET ME TAKE THE KIDS HOME EVEN THEY DO TAKE me out of handcuffs. >> No, that'll be different. You'd be allowed You'd be allowed to because you're the biological father. >> I just asked the What did what the how come what I said that y'all said I picked her up? >> Did you see me in the driver's seat? If we can confirm that you were at work and you were not a part of this PROBLEM >> THE JOB PHONE IN MY HAND. YOU JUST CALLED THAT NUMBER. >> give us a second. >> Stop. Stop. >> Just call where it says similar manager, just call. Press Press call. That's all you got to do, press call. Should be answering now. It's that phone. >> Well, I'm saying you can still just press call. >> you're saying just with with him present so that the state don't bring him to them. >> All right. >> In the end, Damion was charged with neglect and possession of a controlled substance. Moving on to the next case where a wandering child led officers to his parents' house of horror. >> When you found the child, um what did he have? >> Just one sock and the and the clothes covered in little scratches. >> Did you just wake up? >> I just got up. >> And they told that they told you were >> They found him, right? >> Yeah. >> You don't know what the street >> Do you remember was it like this last night when you checked it? >> No. >> No. >> On September 14th, 2023, officers in El Paso, Texas were called by a woman after she found a baby alone in the street. Upon arrival, the officers were met by the woman who was still holding the baby after trying to locate his parents. >> I was lady's >> I was right. >> dropping off her husband and this little guy literally right there. Right what? Who's right there? >> Just standing there. >> Pushing the pedal. They're code 19ers. So, the guy comes out, he's really a code 19er, but I have 982 coming so she can help out because she's familiar with it. She The other kids, the siblings go to Alameda Elementary and she's been uh she wiped him. He has all of his needs on him. >> Okay. >> This kid is He says she's been yelling at him, nobody's come out. Nobody's on crutches. She's the one that called it. She's the one that called the caller. She dropped off her husband. She called dispatch and the baby, the little 1-year-old was standing like your little white socks at uh in the middle of the road pushing like a little cart or some little toy cart. She figures it came from there cuz she's familiar with the house. So, she yelled and yelled, nobody's come out of there. So, when they do come out, mom's probably going to come out. She has He has other siblings that she wiped this currently looking at. They have an open case and I talked to 699 about them and everything. They're aware of it. But, uh if the dad probably won't come out cuz he's code 19 through 16. >> You haven't tried to make contact at all? >> No, I haven't tried it. >> No. >> I was just I brought it on this side and then we're probably going to change the baby on the way over there. I'm like I would have kids standing in front of this house. >> Thank you. >> first name? >> Julia. >> And your last name? >> Pettis. >> And what what what time did you find him laying here? I just saw >> Walking here. Yeah, with the mower. Um like 8:50 8:50. >> 8:50? >> Yeah, something like that. >> And then um once you were able to once you found the child what did he have? I know you said he had something, right? >> Um the mower. That >> Oh, he had that little mower? >> That little mower and then just one sock and the and the clothes. His diaper was sodden. He's got a little bit of diaper rash. >> Diaper was was what? >> Sodden, very wet. >> Okay. And did you see other than him having like a rash cuz of the or what what did you say he had? >> He definitely has a a little bit of a diaper rash on his thumb and he's kind of covered in little scratches and >> Could that be a burn mark? On his left toe? On his left toe? >> I don't think so. >> Well, not a burn mark more of a like a blister? >> Make a blister. >> According to the woman she had found a house where the baby apparently lived but when the officers tried to knock on the door no one responded. Shortly after the baby's mother arrived clearly surprised by the officer's presence. >> I'm sorry. I took my daughter to school this morning. >> Do you live here? >> Yes. >> What is your name? >> Faith. I I just took my daughter to school this morning. Sorry. >> All right, just give us 1 second. Let's talk over here. >> Is he okay? I'm sorry. I I took my my little one to school. >> What's your name? >> Yes. Where's his dad? >> Where's his dad? >> He was in the room with him. >> What time did you leave? >> Um maybe about 8:15. 8:15 8:20 around there. >> What school does your child go to? >> Um to Alameda but we had to drop my my friend daughter off at all the way off University Hills. >> How many do you have? Do you want me to call dad? Who else is inside? >> Um just the >> She left at 8:15 and she returned right now. >> That's your all the time. >> That she first went to drop off her kid at Alameda Square and then went to University Hill. >> Okay, that's fine. >> University Hill. >> I have one more question for you, ma'am. So, both of those schools that you mentioned are on this side of town? >> No, Alameda's over here and then the um the little girls um that I was taking to school, they live they go to Lennon University. >> Right. But then when you came back, you came running up the street from right here on >> It's cuz I got I got a ride from my my cousin and stuff. So, he he he's really bad with directions and stuff like that. So, he went down to far down here cuz he came from that way. So, he went too far down Alameda and you know right there where um Madrid crosses Alameda, the the T, he went up instead of coming down this way. So, he just came down Herland. >> Why didn't he drop you off in front of the house? >> Uh I I I don't know. >> I mean, that's a little shady to me. You know? >> Yeah, I understand. I understand. >> Which room did you and Frank stay in? >> The front room right here. >> With the air conditioner? >> Yeah, yeah. >> Not the one that we're looking at right here with the boards, but it's the one on this side, right? >> Down here. >> Why isn't he answering? He's so close to the front door, why would he go out through the windows? >> I don't know. I know I need to ask him cuz they were both asleep when I left, so I I figured he was asleep. >> We're going to have a detective show up here in a little bit. They'll probably want to talk to you. Can you stick around? >> Uh >> The mother, Faith Garcia, was visibly confused about the situation, claiming that her husband was responsible for the child. After hearing that someone was indeed inside, the officers tried knocking on the door once again, ready to uncover the full extent of the situation. >> Hey! COME TO THE FRONT DOOR! HEY, FRANK! HEY! DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR 1-YEAR-OLD GOT? >> WHAT? >> DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR 1-year-old got? >> Yeah. I was sleeping. >> You know? >> Did you just wake up? >> I just got up and woke up. >> Just to fill you in, your 1-year-old was found in the middle of the road by a stranger, a complete stranger. >> She was out dropping off two other daughters. >> We got a detective here. He's going to want to speak to you. Um, so if you want to just hang out right here. By chance, do you know where she took off to? >> She drove to drop off the kids and just seen because the time. >> How many kids is >> All of us kids, man. All of us. My two daughters and my son. >> Which son is the 1-year-old? >> Yeah. >> What about some other kids? She's claiming to stay here with you guys. >> Oh yeah, there's the other kids, but they don't go with her to go to school or whatever. My friend in the back, um he usually takes those kids. >> Who you guys renting to own this place from? >> Frank. >> Frank Harper? >> Frank Harper, that's right. >> Frank Get the what? >> How are you today? >> All right. You know, getting woken up by police officers is not the best way to wake up. Did they tell you why we're here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So obviously my main concern is, you know, the child. Your 1-year-old was found on the street Yeah. unattended. Literally in the middle of the street. He was in the middle of the street. Okay. Here's the thing. I understand accidents happen. I understand sometimes kids get out. Okay. Um, I'm here. We're here to make sure that that's what this is. Okay. So I kind of talked uh to Vic a little bit about what's going on. Um and everything that happened this morning from her recollection. Okay. Can you tell me what from your point of view what happened this morning? >> I I wouldn't even know to say. I don't entirely remember. I don't really remember the time. she would go and drop off kids and she normally takes me. >> Okay. >> So, like I didn't even think anything of it, so then >> So, when she goes and drops off the kids, she normally takes >> Yeah. from week out, I'll keep the baby. >> Okay. According to the man, identified as Frank Webb, he believed the baby was with Faith as he hadn't found him when he woke up. As the investigation continued, the detective shifted his questions aiming to understand what had allowed the baby to go outside by himself. Tell me about this broken door and I >> All the way on the bottom? >> Yeah. >> Um that one it needs a new door hinge clearly. >> Okay. >> And uh we tried putting it up and it just keeps like falling down, so like we have to replace the whole door hinge. >> Do you know why I'm asking that question? >> No. Oh, for the baby to get out. >> And obviously if it's not a hinge, it's >> Yeah. >> right? I don't know how heavy this door is, but you know, if to get out, he knows that it's not something that can be closed or secured. >> Yeah. >> How easy is it if that door falls on him? Is it a heavy door? >> It is it's kind of heavy. It's too >> little guy. >> Yeah. >> For you know, he's one. You know, so I mean I was that's a concern. >> Yeah. Well, we usually have the the room that it leads to, we usually have those doors locked. >> Okay. >> I'll try to adjust it just in case and yeah. >> Um is there any booze in the house? >> No. >> No? How about alcohol? >> No. >> No? >> Uh I smoke sometimes, yeah. >> Okay. Do you smoke it or vape? >> I smoke it. >> Smoke? Where do you smoke when you smoke? >> Usually outside in the back. >> How many times would you say you smoke a week? >> Once or twice. >> Once or twice? >> Yeah. >> The reason why I'm asking these questions is I'm learning that there's been you know, she she's telling me that you know, she's been involved with CPS prior. Um there's been allegations and abuse and stuff like that. That's why I'm asking. I was just I was just asking. Um she is the one that told me that she in April. That's when she was hospitalized for a while. >> Yeah, that's when um she um knows. She had a heart failure and um and she had a heart failure, that's why she was in the hospital. >> Okay, so it wasn't >> Yeah, no. >> And you guys have been together this whole time? How long have you guys been together? >> For almost 10 years. >> 10 years? Any breaks in between you guys' relationship? >> Not really. No. >> And then all the kids in here are are yours? >> Yeah. >> How do you think out of the house? >> Probably the the door that's open. >> Which door? >> The back door. >> The back door? >> Yeah. >> And they told that they told you where they found him, right? >> Yeah. >> And then they were straight >> Frank explained to the detective that the baby had possibly gotten out through a broken door, which raised suspicions about the security of the residence that were impossible to ignore. >> Listen, either way I'm going to get in this house. >> Yeah. >> I like to deal with your guys' cooperation. >> Yeah. >> Rather than have to keep you guys out of your house and get a warrant. There's a lot of reports that we have from CPS in reference to possible abuse and lack of shelter. Obviously you guys have a house. I can see you have electricity. I have to double check, make sure you have water, make sure that you have for instance, you know, food for yourself and for the kiddos. Officer Goslin had also stated that she was just here a month ago. She walked through your house. She saw that >> Yeah. >> it was a little messy, but was it unlivable? You know, you guys have three kids. You guys are fixing up the house. Um she said that you guys have electricity, you have running water, you have enough to, you know, provide for your kids, which that I'm happy about. >> That. >> Is there any dogs or anything in there? >> We have a little puppy, but he doesn't >> Any weapons or anything that you don't Do you guys own firearms or anything like that? >> No, no firearms. >> No firearms? Okay. >> So, who who who sleeps in this room? >> Uh my two daughters. >> Uh my friend >> Two daughters? >> Okay. >> So, they sleep here? >> Yeah. >> How old are they? >> Uh I'm not even sure. >> Teenagers? Kiddos? Kiddos? >> They're teenagers? >> Yeah. >> Whose one is that? Do you know? Don't touch that. It's yours. >> All right, that's my phone. >> That's your phone? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, this is the living room? >> Yeah. >> Kids stay girls stay here. >> Yeah. >> You sleep in there? >> Yeah. >> You sleep on the bed? >> Yeah. >> This is the bathroom? >> Yeah, that's the bathroom. >> Where do you guys go to the bathroom? >> Right over here. >> That's the bathroom? This is Whose room is that? >> This is the landlord's. >> Are you guys allowed to be in it? >> Um it was shut last time I knew. But, um it was open right now, but >> Whose Whose room is this? >> The closed room. >> The closed room? >> Yeah. >> Upon entering the house, the officers found a complete mess, but the worst was still yet to come. >> Do you remember it was like this last night when you checked it? >> No. >> No? How was it? Just describe it to me the way it was. >> Oh, I I put it in here and I did it like this. You know, in this spot. And then my phone >> obviously. I'm saying that this has moved. >> Yeah. I guess my friend came in here. They used it the same way. >> You guys have food stamps? >> Yeah. >> Who gets them? You or her? >> She does. >> The air conditioning, is it just fans or do you have like a >> Just a window unit. >> that unit or there? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> There's one in the room. >> There's that one. All right, walk over here outside. >> When the officers found the door the baby had supposedly opened they quickly realized the baby couldn't leave through it the way it was and that the door had in fact been left that way by the parents. They also discovered that neither parent had sought medical help to treat the baby's injuries. The living conditions, the door, and the bruises on the baby's body showed that the house was not safe at all for the child. And in the end, Faith and Frank were charged with reckless injury to a young person causing serious bodily harm. Up next, we have a case where a child was found alone in the street by a neighbor. And when officers began to investigate, they discovered the hell the child had been subjected to. >> Are you aware of the conditions of the house that they've the kids have been staying in for months with you guys? >> Did she say something? >> Yesterday. >> I don't know. >> When's the last time >> Yesterday. >> You guys have paraphernalia that's easily accessible to them. You're both passed out when we get here. The house is disgusting. On February 2nd, 2024, officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department received a call reporting that a child was found wandering alone in the street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found no signs of the parents and decided to step into their house. But once inside, they encountered a scene that quickly turned the case into something far more alarming as the parents were found unresponsive. To regain control of the situation, officers woke up Nathan and escorted him outside where they began questioning him and uncovering the full extent of what had been happening inside that house. >> Nathan, you're not under arrest. I do want to talk to you about what's going on. So, with that being said, some of the questions I might ask may to somebody seem they seem incriminating. So, I'm going to read you your rights just to talk to you, okay? It doesn't mean you're under arrest. You're not under arrest. You have no handcuffs. Do you understand that? >> Okay. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him or her present with you while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire >> a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you. >> You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make those statements. Do you understand these rights I've explained to you? >> Yes. >> Okay. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to >> Huh? >> Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to me? >> About what? >> Uh just about the whole situation, sir. >> The whole situation? Yeah, I was asleep. I was getting ready to go to work. >> They're taking you to jail. >> Huh? >> They're taking to jail. >> So, this is your house? >> It's my mom's house. >> Your mom talks to us, how long you've been living here? >> Since about 2 or 3 months. >> 3 months? >> Yeah, and so whatever my mom is >> Okay, how long has she been living here? >> She came over with breakfast, you know what I mean? She was staying here. >> Yeah, 3 months ago? >> No, same thing but all of you I take care of everybody. >> Okay, I'm sorry that I That's my fault, I missed it. So, when did you start living here? >> 3 months. I was staying I I weighed 5180 pounds so over there all of us over there. >> Okay. >> So, what happened is you know what I mean? Just me and my mom came over here. >> That was 3 months ago? >> Yes. >> Okay, so she's been staying here about 3 months. >> Yes. >> Um the kids, they're yours and hers? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, how long have you guys been together? >> 3 months, 5 or 6 years. >> 5 or 6 years? >> Okay. Both 49-year-old Nathan and his wife, 31-year-old Courtney, were the caregivers of a 1-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy and had had custody of them for the past 3 months. But during all that time, no one had noticed the nightmare the children were living through with the very adults who were supposed to protect them. Inside the house, officers discovered that the children were living in pure hell. They found not only utter filth but also narcotics pipes left easily accessible to the children, cigarette butts scattered across the floor, and buckets of urine. And while Nathan was being questioned, it was clear that he could already feel the weight of the situation closing in on him. >> What? >> She uses, yes or no? >> Well, that's me. I don't do this. She's She's on addiction so >> Okay, so she You said you take her to the methadone clinic? >> Yeah. >> Um when's the last time she went? >> Yesterday. >> Yesterday? Okay, do you know if her two have been used since yesterday? >> Huh? >> Did she use? >> I don't I don't know. She She'll tell me. I can't I can't maybe in the time I go. >> She what? Oh. let me go inside. I'm not comfortable. >> That's okay. She what? I'm sorry, maybe me. I'm just not >> It's an illness, see? That's how it started. >> It's an illness. Okay. >> Uh, I didn't have work to do in bad weather. >> Okay, so she missed a clinical test that she missed yesterday, do you know of? >> I don't know. I was at work. >> Okay. What do you do for work? >> I'm a taxi. >> Oh, you drive a taxi? Okay. Um When we came in, you guys were passed out when we knocked the first time. Was there an incident prior to us getting here with one of the children being outside? >> No. >> Nothing at all? >> No. I was I was in there. The two months the children never been outside the house now. >> We got called about an hour before we woke you guys up. It was probably about 15 minutes before we woke you guys up. >> I heard that. And the door under the situation that door was that when they came it was all house. I was talking about selling it. >> I understand. >> They would not knock the heads but one of the Who was that after this? I bought it from my man. They banged on the door and knocked off the top heads which caused the the crack in the wood. And so >> I understand that cuz we were here for the overdose last week. >> Yeah, so that's was that sick. >> My question is is we were called here before before we woke you guys up today. We were called here about 15 minutes prior. Okay? Somebody called in and said there was a child walking around out front and then you came out and addressed the child and brought the child back in. >> I didn't come out the door at all until you guys came in the house. It tell me so I went out the door. That's a total lie. They said somebody lied to you. >> Okay. The child was not out the door. >> And I didn't come out the door until until you guys >> So, the child wasn't out >> No, it was not out >> Nathan tried to portray the situation as a simple encounter with the police, even though the officers already had a clear picture of the troubling conditions inside the house, especially considering this wasn't the first or even the second time they had been called to the residence, as just 1 week earlier they had responded to an overdose at the same location. But, the officer continued interrogating Nathan, clearly unconvinced by his attempts to explain himself. >> Um >> We found a pipe in there. She said she smokes She said you guys both smoke. >> When's the last time you smoked? >> Yesterday. >> Yesterday? >> Yesterday. >> Okay, yesterday. Before you guys went to bed or when you woke up? >> yesterday afternoon. Excuse me. >> Okay. Um we found a pipe next to the bed. It's in plain view, right next to the bed on the floor. Okay, is that commonly where you leave your pipe? >> No. >> Okay. Let me ask you about Now, again, where she's sitting on the couch, there's that folding tray table. There's that bong. Okay, who smoked that? >> I didn't smoke >> I understand it's not you. I have a feeling based on her priors and everything it's her. Did she smoke yesterday or I don't know. >> I don't know. >> So, does she normally leave her pipes out in the open like that? >> No. No, in the >> Okay, I appreciate that. >> I don't know. >> Are you aware of the conditions of the house if they've been The kids have been staying here for 3 months with you guys? >> Yeah, I should have went and put it in and came in and normally everything is still like this. You got doors up and it's fine before that just happened over I had some weeks that I had in my mind to fix it. So, I'm trying to get stuff fixed in my mind now. Trying to get stuff done. And it's just I would just say that. >> Let me ask you your honest opinion. >> Okay. >> This This is a question. As a father myself look from the outside looking in >> Okay. >> do you think or would you have ever thought if you had kids, you would let your kids live in a house like this? >> Huh. >> And I And I get she Like she said it's not like this all the time, but if you walked into this house right now and said there's two kids living here, would you sit and think, "Yeah, that's normal?" >> No. What would you think? >> It's not a person. >> This one too. I'm not I'm trying to bust whatever I'm doing. >> It's what? >> At that point, Nathan realized there was no way out of the situation and his frustration made that clear. But his fear of law enforcement wasn't just about the conditions he and Courtney had subjected the children to. It was also because he had burned the boy's chest and arms with cigarettes numerous times leaving him with permanent scars. The officers, however, had already made their decision about the case. >> All right, what's your first name? >> Nathan. >> Nathan, all right. Do me a favor, Nathan. I'm going to have to put these behind your back, all right? What did I do? What I'm doing is I'm If you're both cooperative, I'll tell you what. If you stay cooperative, I got two pair of handcuffs. I see you're a bigger guy. >> Oh. I'm going to listen to you first. What? >> You got some big wrists, too, man. >> Where am I going? >> All right, I'm going to try to make sure this doesn't lock up. Tell you what, if you sit tight, I got a couple of ankle cuffs. They're a little bit bigger. I'll grab them out of my car and we'll use those, okay? Cuz I know these probably won't >> are the charges going to be on me? >> Yeah, you guys are both going to be under arrest for child okay? >> Child >> Yeah. Because the living conditions of the house are not feasible for children. Okay, there's obviously a reason we were Our initial plan was just to take the children. Um cuz they shouldn't be living here. You guys have paraphernalia that's easily accessible to them. You're both passed out when we get here. The house is disgusting. You have mold, rotting food. >> That's been here before you got here. Some stuff has been >> Yeah, that's been here before we got here. She She had put her ears because I'm like he's probably going to go on mine. >> also there before you got here. >> Yeah, just for that room. >> Okay. So, you guys are both going to be under arrest for child >> Child >> And yep. And the children will be going to going to come with us. We've already contacted DCFS. They're going to come grab them today. >> Oh, I'm [ __ ] leaving, man. >> So, let's take a walk over here. Put gloves on you. You're going to search him. >> Nope. >> Can I take this thing off? >> I I can't. >> I just don't want to pinch you. Cuz there you go. I'll put it below. >> You're kidding me. >> Listen, do you have anything inside your bra? Anything you're hiding? >> No. >> I I can't. >> anything into that jail? >> I can't feel it. I can't feel it. Can I Can I look? >> Do you normally keep stuff in there? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Can I check Can I check to see if there's anything in there? I don't think there's anything. >> there's nothing in there? You don't know? >> think there's anything in there. >> You don't think there You don't know? >> I don't think so. >> Okay. Well, that's fine. Well, we'll look at >> I don't want to get another introduction to contraband. >> Listen. Listen. >> If I have one >> Okay. So, here's the deal. When we take you to jail, we'll tell them that you may have something in your bra, but that we weren't able to search you here, and then that we know about it, and they know about it. It's not an introduction. >> check it right now? >> So, we'll let you check We're going to put you in the van. So, we'll let you check it before you get in the van, okay? >> Okay. >> And then we'll note that, okay? All right. >> Okay. >> 73 out of 30. Show 15 two times, please. Listen, you do it. Put your butt in first, and then turn it over. >> With the parents inside the patrol car, officers turned their attention to one of the witnesses who had more to add and would ultimately help seal the parents' fate. >> You've lived here how many years? >> 11. >> 11 years, and you've never seen them never seen kids outside playing didn't even know the kids were in that house ever. >> Didn't know they existed. >> Okay. >> Once you told me that I was shocked. >> And you said you never saw a woman at this house just a man? >> I just see a guy. >> Okay. >> And he walks down the street all the time and he driving a little Toyota Corolla sometime and that's it. >> Toyota Corolla and that's it? >> That's it. >> Okay. >> Never really ever seen nobody here but him. >> What does that man look like if you ever like seen him? >> He's I thought he's last I seen him he had like a like a nappy little short afro >> afro? >> Yeah, kind of light skin. >> Light skin? >> Um I'm taller than him. I'll say about so much height like that. >> You see him going in and out of the house? You see him as kind of walk past the house make contact? >> past the house. I know he be there. >> Okay. No, you're helpful. >> Yeah, because I know kids be over here. And really So they're the only kids in the neighborhood? >> No, they're the only kids in the neighborhood? >> Yes, the ones I see is right here. >> Hm. >> And they play out in the yard all the time but this lady here don't have no kids, older lady, them people there older couple, them right here older couple, the lady on the corner she have no kids. She feed cats all day. These guys got baby kids. Like I said, I don't have babies running around. The lady next door to me don't have no kids so I shocked. >> But the ones that have kids you see them out and about? >> but right here. >> Yep. Okay. >> In the end, Nathan and Courtney were arrested on two counts of neglect. Nathan also faced additional charges of abuse and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm for what he had done to the boy. Moving on to the next case where a mother was surprised at her door by officers after her child was found outside and quickly became desperate as they uncovered the horrors inside. >> How long was the kid out here for? >> For about 10 minutes. >> You're here now, right? Okay, so he's your responsibility. You use your whole life. You think you'd want to be better and take care of your kids then. Hey, remember what we just talked about? This is >> I'm not doing the same thing. >> On November 18th, 2024, officers responded to a motel following a report of a woman asleep while her young son was seen running through the parking lot unsupervised. When officers arrived, they discovered that the report involved the same family who had previously faced concerns regarding the care of their children. >> How's it going, guys? Where is this child at? >> He's in room 225. >> How long was Yeah, how long how long was >> It took forever to wake her up again. >> That's her and that's you? >> Yeah, she was >> Come on down here. Come on. Let's go. Wait. >> Cuz she was mad at her for it. >> Who? Where's the kid at? >> Room 225. >> Okay. Okay, how long How long was the kid out here for? >> For about 10 minutes. >> All right. Your kid was gone for 10 minutes and you didn't know. >> I didn't. The door was locked. >> Where's the kid at? >> Right here. He's fine. I don't want to get arrested. >> How old is he? >> He's four. >> Your four-year-old was out here running around for 10 minutes and you was in here sleeping. >> I didn't. He was by THE DOOR WHEN I FELL ASLEEP. COME HERE, I'LL SHOW YOU. >> You work? >> He was right by the door. >> Where you work at? >> I do DoorDash every day. I pay for this room every day. >> What time What time do you DoorDash? >> I do all day long and I take a break when he comes You can come in the room. >> This is disgusting. I'm not going I'm not coming in here. No, it This is It's nasty and it stinks. >> It's because of any smell. >> This is disgusting. >> I'm It's cleaned every day. >> I'm not >> He's like, "Oh, it's okay cuz I'm just farting. I do I am a new woman. My room is clean. I'm happy in this room. My room is clean. YOU SEE HOW LONG HE WAS OUT HERE PLAYING? MY ROOM IS CLEAN. You should have seen my trailer. My trailer was worse than this. My room is cleaned every day. I do work >> This is disgusting. >> He takes a poop and everything. >> That's just not a poop smell. This that >> I farted when I walked in the room. >> The the is dirty. >> He's playing. He just got out of my life. >> Right, but there's probably a reason why. >> No, CUZ MY HOUSE HERE WAS A MESS. I'M NOT the reason why this whole looks like this. I'm not the only person. >> All I hear so far, and I've been here a total of about a minute, is the blame game. >> I'm not the only person that lives in this place. I'm not the only person that lives in the trailer. I'm not the only person that takes care of him. I'm trying to find his dad. >> You're here now, right? Okay, so he's your responsibility. >> But she needs to call the cops. She was the one that called them all the time. She doesn't like me. That's why she called the cops. >> The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Sherry Jinks. According to records, this was not the first time officers had been called to the motel following reports of the 4-year-old boy being left alone in the parking lot. A strong odor coming from inside the room further alerted officers to the poor conditions the child may have been living in. Because your son got out and ran around. >> Yeah, she's always fighting with me. She wanted to fight with ME ABOUT MY DAUGHTER. >> OKAY. WELL, I'm not worried about that today. I'm worried about him. >> I got him. Please don't call the police on me. >> Yes, absolutely. >> I went down to the store to get the diapers and he fell asleep. He he fell asleep. He's possibly autistic. >> Okay. >> BUT THE DOOR WAS LOCKED. HE PULLED it open. We can't get a lock until Thursday Wednesday. He ate Wednesday. >> So then, don't you think that you should be up watching him? >> I didn't mean to fall asleep. >> I saw him sleeping. >> I didn't mean for that to happen. >> Not twice in a week? Probably. Then you not hold his hand and walk to your car at the same time and get it. Are you not capable of that? >> Yes, I am very capable, sir. >> Okay. Well, obviously you just asked me how you were going to do that. Who all lives in the room? So, it's just you, your husband, and >> And my daughter, but my daughter is at her dad's. He's in the hospital right now. >> How old is she? >> She's 17. >> Oh, she >> Oh my god, honey. >> Oh lord. >> You know that pisses me off more than anything, my head and my feet. >> The pinky toe the pinky toe on her the worst. >> I wasn't trying to do anything to >> All right. >> I pulled him out. So, where are you going to get some clothes? >> You're the one that kicked your daughter out the one night. Like when the door shut, she was unable to make it back into the room. >> Yes, I didn't kick her out. He shut the door on her. He's the one that doesn't like her. >> Okay, so you don't even want to be a parent. >> I do want to >> That's fine. We'll We'll get somebody to watch your kids. Um what's going on with his diaper? Does he need another diaper? >> No, I just changed him. I was >> All right, we'll get clothes on him. Get some clothes on him. It don't look like it. You got your 4-year-old out here running around in THE PARKING LOT. HEY, BUDDY. AND YOU CAN'T YOU CAN'T EVEN CONTROL HIM. He's out here running around in the parking lot. >> At this point, officers found themselves in a tense standoff. Sherry insisted she knew how to care for her son, but her emotional state told a very different story. She struggled to even control him, raising serious concerns. >> Shoes, socks with like What are we doing? Get shoes and socks on him. Find it. Look. This has been your whole life. You think you'd want to be better and take care of your kids then. Get shoes on him. Get shoes on him. Get shoes on him. Hey, buddy, you want to sit in the back of the car? You want to sit in the back of the police car? What is it? What? We'll figure it out here in a minute. We We We called CPS. The CPS has to get involved cuz you can't watch your kid or take care of your kid. Um No, you can't. No, you can't. I thought it was an accident. Well, I mean, it happened last week. Well, you got to be able to control your kid, and you can't, obviously. >> Yes, I can. >> No, you cannot. >> Yes, I can. He has health problems, too. He has health problems. >> So, let him run around run around in in the field in the parking lot where cars are driving around. >> My thing is, WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL MY HUSBAND when he got out? AND MY DAUGHTER, THEY DIDN'T GET CALLED ON THE SHE CALLED SHE'S GOT TO STOP. >> DO YOU KNOW WHAT DAY THAT WAS, NICK? >> DO YOU remember what day that was, last >> Did you call, Carrie? >> Yeah. >> I called today. >> Who called the other day, do you know? >> Johnny did at the office. >> Johnny? >> I think it was like Wednesday >> Yeah. >> or Thursday. >> Okay. And I know when we left, Charlie from dispatch radio, that she was told what the officers were next time we came out here. But I don't know if they logged that in there. But he was almost at building over there when we got here. He's out here running. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> According to witnesses, the child was living in extremely unsanitary conditions with a constant foul odor and had been found wandering in the street on multiple occasions. The arrival of social services heightened the tension as they were already familiar with the suspect, having previously removed her from a trailer due to its deplorable condition. >> I don't have anything to say, but I did leave my phone number just in case. My kids, I don't want my kids to get scratched. I mean, I got four babies and one of them they were very explorative, too. How many times you called >> But we made sure that >> They got little locks. >> Did you call the parole and ferry? >> Once. >> Well, I appreciate you assuming all >> Everybody around here was like watching where he was going. >> Right. >> You know, because um they told us to just call. >> How many times, Brooke? >> This is Today is number eight, and I'm not playing with you. This started right around the time Nick >> Well, I'm putting that on you. >> You know I've been stuck here for 2 years. And I've been stuck with this place for 2 years. They're great. They're playing basketball. >> They've on? >> Yes. >> Is he working? >> Yeah, all the time. He's down at the house He's down there right now. Damn it, really? >> Yes. So, you're from out here? >> Yeah, we know Sherry very well. Sherry Showalter. >> I guess it took them about 10 minutes and they yelled at her five times through the window for her to wake up. >> How old are you, ma'am? >> 38 >> 38? Do you still live in Bloomsburg? >> Yes. >> What brought you here? >> He kicked us out of the trailer. He said it was a nasty mess. >> He said it was a nasty >> nasty >> Not surprising. This is on his way. This It stinks and it's disgusting. >> daughter still live here? >> No, she has a daughter, too, she kicked out in the middle of the night. >> All right. >> Yep. >> What? >> I don't want to go to jail. >> Sherry, my God. >> I don't want to go to jail. >> This has been non-stop since you've had your kids back. >> I don't have my daughter. MY DAUGHTER IS AT THE HOSPITAL. THE OWNER KICKED US OUT BECAUSE SHE was sleeping with the Hispanic man around here. >> You were in charge of her, so you didn't know she was as a 17-year-old she was sleeping with a man in the house. SHERRY, MY >> HEY, REMEMBER what we just talked about? This is >> I'm not doing a clean thing. >> The case took an even darker turn when it was revealed that Sherry had previously lost custody of her older daughter after allowing her to sleep with older men in her home. As officers moved in, Sherry resisted arrest, refusing to accept that after so many chances to change, her actions had finally caught up with her. >> So, where's dad? >> He's at work and I was going to go get him soon. >> That's some maintenance. I don't have any stuff. How can he get out when you're in a room that's 250 square feet? >> The door does come open with >> But, where are you? >> I was right over there. >> They said it took them four times to knock on your door. >> I work You know, I work all day long. I told you this MANY DAYS >> RIGHT. >> AND I TOLD YOU THIS again when Stephanie was >> Yes, I know. >> It's 2:00 in the afternoon. I'm done WITH THE EXCUSES. >> I'M NOT I'M TRYING TO CAN I EXPLAIN, PLEASE? >> YOU DO DOORDASH DURING THE DAY. >> YES. >> YOU DON'T NEED TO BE SLEEPING AT 1:00 in the afternoon. >> Well, I need you to call him at his job. >> I just want to >> Did you tell him that you're going to jail? >> I'm not going to jail, PLEASE. >> YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL. >> I'm not going to jail, please. Please, I can't go >> No. Would your mom take him? >> No, she has too much on her plate. I don't want to >> So, what about your grandparents that live over on Jameson Road? >> No, we can't. He has a a dog that is violent. >> Okay, well, then he's going into foster care. So, you either give me a name of a family member or I'm putting him into foster care. Like, those are your only options. >> His dad doesn't work right now. >> Then you I would suggest you call his work. >> I don't want to go to jail. >> Well, >> Please. >> I can't help you right now. You're making this situation so much worse. >> I KNOW, HE'S CRYING. >> I KNOW, SO BE BE A MOM and and comfort him. >> I DON'T WANT TO GO TO JAIL RIGHT NOW. >> THE SUSPECT CONTINUED to refuse to surrender while her child, caught in the midst of her outburst, became increasingly distressed. >> So, what's going to happen tomorrow while your husband's or while your boyfriend's at work, Sherry? Do you trust him with Alan without you? Okay, so you don't trust him without you. So, then what do you suggest we do? We're just going to leave him here and hope that >> He's even destroyed everything else. >> Where do you take him to school at? Well, somebody's going to have to take him tomorrow. >> Please, don't take me. I say, "Please." >> I got it. I got to take him tomorrow. >> Please, I can't afford to go to jail. >> Sherry, gosh, stop. >> Please. >> Cedric already got orders from his sergeant. >> I'm Ashley Ward from Children Services. We were called out here because of been multiple times out. >> If I'm here, why are you guys taking him? >> I'm not taking him. I'm going to get him >> We should be. We should be taking him. >> Believe me. Hey, I was at work. >> Come on. Come on. Give him the boy and then come on. Let's go. Just do it. Step on out here. It's nasty in there. I'm not going in there. Come on. Come on. Put your So, listen. He gave you a lawful order. If you don't come here right now, we're arresting you for child >> No, she's coming. She's putting her flip-flops on. >> All right. Come on. >> She's putting her shoes on. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, when we say come here, we mean now. >> I get it. I get it. I get it. Put your hands up. Let's go. Come on. Let's go to the car. This way. This way. This way. They can sit out here if they want. We're going to do it in front. All right. Cuz I don't What you got on you? Your phone? That's it? >> In the end, 38-year-old Sherri Jenks was arrested and charged with endangerment. Up next, we have a case where a welfare check quickly escalated after officers uncovered a true hell inside a residence. >> I see how bad I see how bad it is. Just leave the door. Just leave the door open. Yeah. Leave Listen. >> Okay. When was the last time she had a doctor's visit? >> Last year. Last year. >> You're going to have bigger problems than us. We have officers here. It's our dirty house. >> Dirty? >> On May 24th, 2023, officers responded to a residence following a report of a child living in extremely unsanitary conditions. >> Sheriff's office. >> Oh, there we go. >> Come on. Don't get excited and close the door. >> Are you Robert? >> Are you Robert? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We're with Child Protective Services. My name is Jordan and this is Kristen. Um law enforcement's here for our own protection and and and for your protection as well. So, the reason that we're here is we have received a complaint about the conditions of your home Um and and for the safety of your daughter about some unsanitary living conditions. >> Yeah. >> So, is your daughter here tonight? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What's your daughter's name? Is it Isis? Is that how I'm saying it? Isis, okay. Is Tiffany Bailey home as well? Okay. All right. >> You want me to get her? >> Okay. We're She She's going to need to come out and speak with us as well, but we're also going to need the inside of see the inside of your residence tonight as well because the complaint is pretty serious that you guys have some cockroaches inside. There's >> Yeah, we have a bug bomb. Bombed, yeah. >> Bombed, okay. Um but but before we can, you know, leave tonight, we're going to have to see and walk through to make sure that the conditions are safe for Isis to remain to remain with her. >> if it wasn't safe, if you decided it wasn't, then what? >> Then we would need to make appropriate arrangements for your daughter. >> Okay. >> And that could include family members or friends and we can discuss that, but we need to evaluate the safety of your daughter. >> Okay. >> You like Can you get Tiffany for me? Can you grab Tiffany right now? Okay. How many dogs do you have inside the residence? >> Um Hey, I see how bad I see how bad it is. Please just leave the door open. Leave Listen. >> The officers and CPS were met by the father when they knocked on the door. When they asked him to get his daughter out, he quickly tried to shut the door behind him, a suspicious move that immediately raised red flags. His strange behavior made it clear to the officer that something inside the house wasn't right. Coming up, the mother came out trying to talk the CPS and officers out of continuing the investigation. >> I'm not let- I see what it is. I'm not letting you close the door. >> That's fine. You can look again. I just don't want >> I know. I'm not letting you close it. >> I don't want the dogs to get out. >> I know. >> Yeah, we're >> I don't want the dogs to get out. >> Go ahead and yell for her. >> Go ahead and GET THE DOGS. >> ALL RIGHT. Help me. Are you Tiffany? >> Yes. >> Um my name is and this is my partner Kristen. What we talked about the three of you guys law enforcement here with us this evening for our protection as well. Who is THAT WITH THE BOXER DOG? >> YEAH. >> HE'S PUTTING HIM IN THE TRUCK RIGHT NOW. THEY'RE THEY'RE PEOPLE WITH DOGS. >> I'VE SEEN TWO. >> OKAY. >> OKAY. >> SO WHY DON'T YOU STEP OVER HERE AND LET'S TALK ABOUT IT. BECAUSE YOUR DAUGHTER IS LIVING here in the conditions and we can see inside the residence. >> I know, it's terrible. >> It is. >> All right. >> So uh you know, we're obviously going to walk through. We're going to take some pictures. You know, and we obviously just been seeing inside the residence. We're going to have to make some alternative measures for your daughter can stay tonight. >> She goes to her grandmother's. >> Where is your father or mother tonight? >> My mother went to be with him. >> What are their names? >> Clara and Mark. >> Coming up, the mom went inside to get the daughter out. >> Get your stuff on. >> We can hold it. Come on. Just come >> Yeah. >> All right. >> I'm ready. >> What do you have on your socks on? >> I'm scared. >> Come on baby. Come on baby. Come on. >> I'm scared. >> I know baby. >> You're fine. You're okay. >> I'm okay. >> Hi. Hi. I'm Jordan. >> Come over here with your mom. >> You can stay with her. Yeah. Mom's going with you. Hello. Want me to come over to you? No, it's all right. You're This is my friend Kristen. Papa and mama? >> Yeah. >> What are you doing with papa and mama? >> He said the mean dog. >> What is that? >> Something about mean dog. >> Okay. All right. What do you >> But it's going to take ever. >> Okay. All right. Um so we do need um a phone number for um Clara and Laura. >> Can you call your mom and dad? >> Yeah. >> Do you want to just go ahead and have them start this way to get her? Call your mom and dad. >> The girl's grandparents were called to pick her up, but since it would take them a while to arrive, the officers continued their investigation with the girl still present. >> Hey Isaac, can you tell me how old you are? You're eight? That's pretty cool. >> Hey. >> Hey. >> What you've been doing? This year, have you been learning >> Yeah. >> You're home schooled, right? >> Yes. >> Are you nine? All right, cool. >> Yeah. >> What have you been doing? >> Call your mom, too. Tell her to hurry up. >> You have dogs? Tell me about your dogs. What are your dogs' names? Do you know your dogs' names, Isaac? >> I have a brown dog. >> You have a brown dog? >> It turned out that Isaac was being home schooled, but the CPS worker grew even more concerned when the only thing she could recall learning was that she had a brown dog. They continued speaking with the girl for a while before questioning the parents again. >> His name is Snickers. >> Snickers? I used to have a dog named Snickers, too. >> We can tell them what happened. What happened with this house? >> I'll explain to you. >> It's okay. I'm just trying to calm her down cuz she's really scared. I'd rather not talk about the house cuz we're going to have a conversation about the house once she's calmed down. >> I just want to explain to you how it started. >> Okay. >> I got really sick and I was in the hospital. And I ended up not being able to walk for a long time. And he got really caught up with taking care of me. And the house got let go for a very long time. >> Okay. >> Because of that. And so that's where it all started and how it all happened. >> Okay. >> All we got was that. In 2021, I couldn't cross my legs and couldn't walk until Clara in the middle of 2022. >> Okay. >> And all that and I had to go to like five million doctor's appointments. It took a very long time to get healthy again. And all that happened. And >> So how long have >> For six minutes we were in the apartment for like two and a half years. >> So how >> long have you been well? >> I just started my legs are walking back again towards the end of 2022. And everything just started getting back to normal again. And I was starting to get >> So, when was the last time she was sleeping? >> That I made Yesterday the other day. She bathed regularly. >> Does she have to use the bathroom? No. No. No. What's I don't know. >> She don't like those shorts. >> Yeah, she doesn't like shorts. She hates She hates clothes. I mean, she doesn't like clothes. What baby? Yeah, she doesn't like clothes. Yes, cuz she won't get vaccinations. We don't believe in them. >> Okay, when was the last time she had a doctor's visit? Doctor's visit? >> Ma'am, would you be respectful to the ladies and like not be on your phone the whole time? >> I'm trying to find the home schooling program. >> Okay, we can worry about this later. >> I'm sorry, I'm just trying to get the home schooling information. >> So, she when's her when was her last doctor's appointment? >> I don't remember the last day for the last doctor's visit cuz I do not remember at all when. >> Was it like a well child or was it because she was sick or what was >> The last The last doctor's visit she went to was sick was at our doctor in Phoenix here. >> Okay. Which was when? >> That was last time she was sick was last year. Last year. Cuz she doesn't get sick often. >> And so, she doesn't go to yearly well child check-ups with her pediatrician? >> No. >> Okay. Is there a particular reason other I mean, I know you say you don't believe in vaccinations, but there's other purposes for the well child checks. >> Well, she goes to up to my old doctor. >> Old doctor? Brandy. Brandy. >> Phoenix. >> Okay. Does she see her regularly? >> Just um >> The officer and CPS worker tried to stay focused on their questioning, but they couldn't ignore how concerning it was to see the girl repeatedly grabbing herself. It was a clear sign that something was wrong. Coming up, the mother grew increasingly agitated, putting the CPS workers' patience to the test. >> for a long time >> You can remove me and my husband. >> I mean, you're going to have bigger problems than us. >> We have officers here. >> And for a dirty house? >> It's not a dirty >> I mean, I can My house will be cleaned overnight. >> But it's not necessarily a dirty house is a health risk. That's It's It's to the point where it's probably criminal. >> I promise you it will not be. I can bet money on >> But it's not the fact of what it will be, it's the fact of what it is currently. And it's >> Let me finish, please. >> It's 100% >> Let me finish, please. >> Let me finish, please. It's 100% child That's all there is to it. There's There's no reason for this. I understand she was sick. I understand you have some mental health issues. I understand that, but she's been well for a while. >> She isn't all the way better. She stand up for more than maybe a couple of days. She won't listen to Let's listen to her. >> But I'm just I'm trying to understand why you She's not well. She's Why can't you still keep her at home? >> Hey, man. What kind of car are they driving? What kind of car were they driving? The the ones I guess were that were called first. I saw her car like a four door car or >> Yes, I have. Okay. Do you have underwear or something that you could you could go in and get for her to put on? >> She had I don't know where she goes over there. >> And some shoes? >> Where are the underwear, lady? >> It's on the red couch. >> On the red couch? On the red couch. >> How come she doesn't have underwear? >> I don't remember. >> Because >> I must have just threw her shorts in the dryer earlier. >> Was she naked when we got here? >> I was I was in my work van. I had no idea. >> What are your work hours? >> Oh, hours working today from 1:00 to 9:45 and then my I start my production hours on Friday. I start at 4:15 p.m. and work till 12:15 a.m. >> Who is Albert? >> And I'm off on Mondays and Tuesdays. >> And you don't like him? >> No, I am a >> You used to be a triple A's at your roadside service technician. >> Yeah, I was. >> You like the at home call center? >> Yes. I work for roadside assistance. >> Soon the grandparents arrived, but the parents had one detail to reveal before handing over their daughter. >> I love What was the last time she saw Albert? >> It's It's honestly it's been a long time. >> It was before she died. I guess. >> So >> My my >> A year and a half couple years. >> Yeah, it's my my >> Over at least over 2 years >> They had a strange relationship. >> Can we see her to give her Can we give her some clothes, please? Please? Please. >> She has somebody to play with at the house. >> That was my husband. >> He's got a little boy there. >> He's my friend. >> He's never like me. So I kind of makes a strain between us two. >> His name's Branson. >> I never disrespect the man now. Yeah, that's her father, but >> he's my boyfriend. >> When talking to the grandpa, the CPS workers finally felt they were speaking to a responsible adult. >> How are you? >> I'm good. >> I'm Jordan and I talked to you on the phone. >> I'm Kristen. I'm also a CPS worker. >> Okay. >> So um probably first thing you're going to need to do is get you clothes. >> Okay. I've got a neighbor female she can >> Okay. >> help me with that. >> Um and I don't know you probably don't have any clothes at your house right now. >> I've got clothes for my grandson. >> Okay. >> He's in size sevens and eights. I mean they're short. Yeah, I get some girl stuff. >> Um you can come into our office and we can get you an Amy's Attic or Open Door Shelter and we can get you some clothes and is it Mat-Pat grandparents? Have clothes for Isis that you can get them like the cleaner or anything that's been stuck at the house. Like I said, I don't think that you want to buy anything that's at the other house anyway. And whatever you take off of her >> I haven't been over there in 3 years. >> And whatever >> don't even know >> Yeah. God, and I understand that she might not know you, but you're probably going to save this little girl and clean this. They don't look good. >> All right. >> Um, whatever you take off of her, I would just throw away. I believe you need to take her um tomorrow to see the doctor cuz I don't think she's been to the doctor for a very long time. >> Well, I know she don't have a choice. >> Yeah, because they don't believe they don't believe but she needs to be seen by a doctor. >> The last place they lived was like this. >> Okay. >> They had to actually condemn it and burn it down. And they got me in trouble with the cops cuz the cops said that Cops I I had the cops meet me there cuz he was holding the child and wouldn't let me get the dogs and all kinds of stuff, you know. I had the cops meet me there. And when they got done, they come out and the cops said seems like the problem is you cuz you won't come around. No, I ain't coming around. See, you've been in that house. >> And you don't have any criminal history, do you? You know, okay. You're going to have um Isis um and you're agreeing that you're not going to allow any unsupervised contact with the parent at this time. When did she last eat? >> Pizza. Huh? >> When did she last eat? >> She She goes through spurts kind of like I did when I was little where she'll eat a lot over a period of time and then barely eat. >> Not that over a period of >> So, when did she last >> Um, today pizza. It was probably about 2 hours ago. >> You want to leave her out there? >> That's what I was getting ready to >> Yeah, let's go get her because Grandpa's going to get on the road. I'm on here. Grandpa's watching. >> Need your hair washed. Stiff as a board. >> She looks like a little boy, don't she? >> You're doing good, baby. Hey, I'm your grandpa. >> This is Grandpa Albert. >> You have another grandpa, right? >> He's got a little boy about your age in the house, right? It's a boy, right? >> Branson. >> Branson's 8. He'll be 9 in October. >> Oh, see? Perfect. Yeah. Uh-huh. You have a little boy to play with. >> Yeah. >> You'll have to be running wild. >> He's got toys and cartoons. >> Here you go. >> Chicken nuggets and >> That sounds good. >> and french fries. >> I didn't eat dinner, so that sounds real good. Perfect. >> Grandpa's speaking your language. >> I know. Grandpa's speaking my language. I want to go to Grandpa's house. >> He's got a cat. He's got a snake, yeah. >> The grandparents took off with Isaac, and that was when the officers and the CPS workers got ready to walk inside the house of horrors. >> Let's do this. >> I have no idea. >> You want to put a suit on? >> That's fine. >> You guys understand they would like to walk through and witness what's inside. You guys good with that? >> You can't walk through there. There's no way you can. They're actually >> Okay. >> There's actually no way you can walk through there. You can't. >> Can't walk through? >> You can't walk through. Just to be honest. >> The whole house? >> Well, there's a refrigerator that I didn't get to move in front of the door. >> Did they give you permission? >> You have permission to walk through, but you can't walk through. >> Well, this might not be a good time. >> being honest with you. >> You can pass through there. >> There's furniture everywhere. Are they everywhere? Yes. >> That's why and that's why >> No, no, no. We have a bunch of bombs. We have a bunch of bombs to bomb the house. We just haven't yet. >> Well, we're going to do it all the same. >> I'm just being honest with you. You need to know what you're walking into. I'm sorry. >> Wow. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> All right. I'll start with this. >> If you want us to go out the back door, we can try to get in there. I'll feel a lot better if you try to get in the house. You can go to the back door and try to open it. >> What door do you all typically use? >> Well, we go We try We go to the back door because it's the >> I guess this is really all we need. Oh, Jesus. >> Okay. >> Oh, [ __ ] Do we have to get through this whole thing? Seriously? >> I don't think so. I mean, I don't >> I don't really I think this is enough. I just I'm just getting a warning. I'm I'm scared I'm going to get charged or something. I just don't think it's >> Here, I'll give Jordan the phone. I don't think we do. I don't I don't think it matters. >> No, they I mean, I'm just going to I mean, she Yeah, she's got she's out of the house. That's the most important thing. I can charge them. >> And meet all the roaches that's moving. Those dark spots are cockroach eggs. >> Yep. >> Where do you guys sleep? Our prosecutor is going to want Yes. >> What the officers found inside the house confirmed their fears. It was a place so hazardous it posed direct health threats. Outside the father still hoped they could just get rid of the mess and move on, but the officers already knew how the night would end. >> These ladies will file court custody type court paperwork for child neglect in circuit court in Harrison County. >> Yeah, we're just saying we just want to have a chance to make things right. >> Today's the day. This is your choice in life. >> Well, here's the thing. When it comes to the court system, will you get charged? >> More than likely yes, you will. Okay, I'm not going to lie to you. Now, after which whether what the courts wants to do, they can give you put you on some type of path to fix your situation, and if you don't it could get way worse for you. Or if you do you have improved, then they can maybe drop things down to maybe misdemeanor status, stuff like that. Whether the thing is this is very serious. Okay? This is I was just completely unacceptable. Well, I mean, it Well, definitely you know, definitely from here on out, you know, you might want to just do everything you can. If I would recommend first thing, clean the house. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Cuz chances are there's going to be right, more visits at some point down the down the line. >> Oh, yeah. >> Fix whatever you have to fix in this house. >> Yeah. >> You need to start doing it now. That should have been done years ago. >> Both the father and the mother were charged with neglect.