16 children rescued from home in Vinton County, Ohio officials charge 4 people
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Four people have been arrested after 16 children were found living in “severe” conditions and in need of treatment at a home in rural Ohio, officials said Wednesday.
The children were found during a search of a home in Hamden, 60 kilometers southeast of Columbus, Ohio, state Attorney General Andy Wilson said at a press conference.
“Situations you can’t even imagine that people are there, let alone that children are there,” said Wilson.
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Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson and law enforcement officials announced the arrest of four people after 16 children were found in “deplorable” condition at a rural home. (Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson)
The children were removed from the home. Wilson called the incident the worst he has ever encountered in his career, describing it as “pure evil.” Many were in critical condition when they were found, and two were taken to Level 1 trauma centers for their injuries.
“If they had waited 24 hours, there is a very high chance that we would have had a death, or many deaths of these children,” Wilson said.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described the conditions as dire, saying there was a high level of sewage and bacteria issues.
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This image taken from a video released by the Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson shows Wilson speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson’s office via AP)
“Many livestock were raised in better conditions than children,” said Cain.
The suspects – Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders – have been charged with 16 counts of child endangerment. A judge entered not guilty pleas during Wednesday’s hearing and set a $300,000 bond for all four.
Officials did not confirm whether the children were related, but said they ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years old and included boys and girls.
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“Justice will be served for these children,” said Wilson.
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer clarified that the suspects are not from Vinton County.
“This is a family situation. This is not human trafficking. There is nothing that could put our other children at risk,” said Archer.
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On Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was informed of the case.
“It is painful to read about the conditions these children lived under, and to read about their illnesses,” he said. “Attorney General Wilson is an experienced prosecutor, and he told me he has never seen anything like what he saw today. Fran and I are praying for these children, and we thank the children’s services workers, law enforcement officials, and medical personnel who helped them.”
