Hoarding - dog, cats and children seized
Grafton, WV (US)Incident Date: Monday, Dec 20, 2010
County: Taylor
Charges: Felony Non-CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Letha Fyre
» John Fyre
The Mountain Statesman has obtained copies of criminal complaints against John and Letha Fyre of West Washington Street. The couple is being charged with child neglect creating risk of injury or death, a felony.
The complaint reads as follows: This officer (Lieutenant David Holcomb) along with a Child Protective Service (CPS) worker, responded to (a residence) on West Washington Street in Grafton, to investigate a CPS referral reporting that the defendants' children were in poor condition.
It was also reported that there were seventeen cats in the residence along with multiple dogs.
Upon arrival, this officer, along with CPS, noted the front porch steps to be covered in cat feces.
Upon entry, the first room housed two dogs, kept in kennels that were full of feces and urine, and the dogs being covered with the same. The floors were covered with animal feces and urine.
The house was found to be very unsafe and extremely unsanitary, which resulted in Grafton Building Inspector Wayne Beall, along with animal control being notified.
Upon arrival, and inspection by Beall, the house was condemned due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
The floors throughout the entire residence were covered in animal feces, resulting in all family members, including four juvenile children to walk through.
Cats were observed on the kitchen table and counter tops, and in all the beds. The wiring was exposed and created a risk of fire.
The sub-flooring from the upstairs was collapsing into the kitchen ceiling causing a potential risk. The floors were covered in clothing and garbage.
Animal control took custody of the cats and three dogs, and is pursuing criminal charges of animal cruelty.
The house did not have a furnace and was being heated by a kerosene heater and several electric heaters with extension cords running throughout the residence.
The condition of the residence created risk of injury and health issues, and also, created a risk of injury or death due to the condition of the residence including the risk of a potential electrical fire.
Both parents were arraigned by Taylor County Magistrate Leonard Lucas, and released on $5,000 bond.
"If you suspect that a child is living in adverse conditions, please contact law enforcement," Lieutenant Holcomb stated.
"This is a crime, and we will investigate, and prosecute where needed," added Grafton Police Chief Robert W. Beltner.
The Grafton City Police, and the Fraternal Order of Police #116, have joined together to gather food and toys for the four children, who were removed from their home last Monday and placed in foster care. References |
