Seven children, aged one to 17, rescued from 'filthy' incest house as adults arrested
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Eight adults in Kentucky are facing a slew of charges, including incest, criminal abuse, human trafficking, and sodomy, following the rescue of seven children from a "filthy" home
Eight adults in Kentucky are facing a raft of serious charges, including incest, criminal abuse, human trafficking, and sodomy. It follows the rescue of seven children from a "filthy" home where they were subjected to "deplorable" living conditions.
As part of an ongoing sexual abuse investigation, officers from the Richmond Police Department carried out a search warrant at a property on Norwood Drive last Friday (October 9).
In a subsequent press release, police announced the arrests of 41-year-old Christine Carter, 21-year-old Johnna Carter, 45-year-old Richard Carter, 28-year-old Sarah Carter, 21-year-old Ishmeal Thornsberry, 63-year-old Green Schindler, 30-year-old Mark Brumbaugh, and 30-year-old Matthew Brumbaugh, all linked to the alleged abuse of seven children.
The children, aged between 1 and 17, were removed from the premises. Investigators described the conditions inside the home as "very filthy and deplorable," according to court documents obtained by local Fox affiliate WDKY.
Court documents further reveal that faeces was smeared across floors, stairs, and various other surfaces throughout the house, which was inhabited by the eight adults and seven children. Officers reported that the entire property was permeated with the stench of faeces and urine.
In addition to the 15 human occupants, police noted that 10 dogs and one cat also lived in the home. The adults, all from Richmond, have been hit with a range of severe criminal charges, reports the Express US.
Christine Carter, 41, has been charged with one count of criminal abuse/neglect involving a child under the age of 13, along with an additional charge of first degree criminal abuse.
Johnna Carter, 21, faces identical charges to those of Christine. Richard Carter, 45, has also been charged with criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13 and criminal abuse, with the added charges of first degree rape and human trafficking.
Sarah Carter, 28, is facing the same criminal abuse charges, with further accusations of distribution of obscene matter and incest also brought against her.
Matthew Brumbaugh, 30, has additionally been charged with incest. Mark Brumbaugh, 30, is facing charges of incest, criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first degree criminal abuse, and third degree sexual abuse.
Green Schindler, 63, has been charged with incest, human trafficking, first degree rape, and first degree sodomy, in addition to the same criminal abuse charges shared by the other defendants.
Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21, faces a single charge of first degree criminal abuse. The nature of the relationships between the suspects and the children involved has not been publicly disclosed by law enforcement officials.
Authorities have confirmed that additional charges may be pursued as the investigation continues. All eight suspects were taken into custody at Madison County Detention Centre, where they remain.
The Richmond Police Department revealed that the arrests followed a collaborative investigation featuring interviews and site visits carried out by Richmond Police Department, Child Protective Services (CPS), and the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Officials confirmed the seven children have been placed under the care of Social Services.
Richmond police stated: "This case is ongoing. Community members are encouraged to report any information regarding this case to Richmond Police Department."