An Ohio couple accused of keeping 16 children in what authorities described as an extremely unhygienic and unsafe home are now facing additional charges relating to alleged sexual abuse.
Gary Siders Jr., 37, and his wife, Elizabeth Siders, 33, were previously charged with multiple counts of child endangerment after authorities discovered the children living in disturbing conditions at their home in Hamden, Ohio.
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A Vinton County grand jury returned the new indictments on Friday, about two months after authorities raided the property on June 30.
The investigation that led police to the home reportedly began as a separate child sexual abuse case.
According to county prosecutors, investigators had sought Gary Siders Jr.’s DNA as part of that case. When law enforcement officers went to serve search warrants, they reportedly discovered the conditions in which the 16 children were living at the Ohmer Street property.
“Law enforcement sought the DNA of Gary Siders Jr. related to the child sex abuse case,” prosecutors told reporters.
“Upon serving search warrants for the child sex abuse case, the existing condition of the 16 children at the Ohmer Street house became known,” prosecutors said, adding that “the child sex abuse cases involve interfamily relations and do not pose a risk to the general public.”
The alleged victim is reportedly a young relative who is not part of the Siders’ immediate family.
According to reports, Gary and Elizabeth are accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor who was more than 10 years younger than them between January and September 2022.
The couple now face two counts of third-degree sexual battery and a third-degree felony count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, in addition to the existing child endangerment allegations.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said the latest indictments are part of an investigation that is still underway.
“These indictments are the latest developments in the ongoing investigations, but our work is far from complete,” said Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson in a press release.
“BCI is actively investigating these cases alongside the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, and my office will continue to support Prosecuting Attorney William Archer as the legal process continues.”
Following the discovery of the home, Gary Jr. and Elizabeth were each indicted on 19 counts of child endangerment.
The charges include second-degree felony allegations that the children suffered serious physical harm while living in the property.
Gary Jr.’s parents, Christina Siders, 68, and Gary Siders Sr., 73, are also facing charges connected to the conditions inside the home.
Christina faces 19 counts of child endangerment, while Gary Sr. faces 16 counts. Prosecutors have reportedly filed multiple legal theories in relation to the conditions found inside the house.