“This is pure evil, what we saw down here today,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said after authorities removed 16 children from a Sourthern Ohio home described as one of the worst environments he had encountered during his career.
The children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, were taken from the Hamden residence in Vinton on June 30. Two were flown to trauma centers, while others were transported to hospitals across Ohio for treatment and evaluation. Four adults were arrested on felony child endangering charges.
The victims range in age from 18 months to 18 years.
The rescue happened June 30 when the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, executed a search warrant at a home in Hamden.
Although rumors quickly spread online that the case involved human trafficking, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office said this is a child endangerment investigation, not a human-trafficking case.
However, officials made it clear that the conditions investigators found were extremely serious.
“This is pure evil, what we saw down here today,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said. “I’ve been doing these types of cases for a long time. I can tell you this is one of the worst environments I’ve seen in my career.”
Children Taken to Hospitals Across Ohio
Authorities removed 16 children and young people from the residence.
Two were flown by medical helicopter to trauma centers. Other victims were taken to hospitals across Ohio for treatment and evaluation.
Officials said investigators initially had difficulty obtaining even basic information from some of the children, including their names and contact information.
Vinton County Prosecuting Attorney William Archer said the immediate priority was making sure the children were safe and finding appropriate placements for them.
“We couldn’t even talk to the kids to get names and contact information,” Archer said. “I want to stress that our focus is on the safety of the children. We are trying to get them placed.”
State officials said they would assist local Children Services workers with finding safe placements.
Four Adults Arrested
Authorities arrested:
- Gary Siders Sr.
- Gary Siders Jr.
- Christina Siders
- Elizabeth Siders
All four are charged with felony child endangering.
Archer said the four suspects were being held on 17 counts involving allegations of serious physical harm.
The prosecutor said the people arrested were not originally from Vinton County.
“This is not acceptable in Vinton County,” Archer said.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Long-Term Investigation
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain said the search warrant was the result of a long-term investigation into several alleged crimes.
“Our mission is to protect our citizens and children,” Cain said. “The scene is horrific, and these are horrific allegations. We will do anything in our power to hold those accountable to justice.”
Cain said investigators would continue examining every allegation connected to the home.
The sheriff thanked the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical crews, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for helping with the operation.
State Sends Additional Help
Wilson said BCI contributed agents and analysts to the investigation and would also provide computer-forensics support to the prosecutor’s office.
He praised the deputies and other first responders who entered the home and helped remove the children.
“I have to commend the deputies who went into one of the worst environments I’ve seen in my career and were there for those children in their time of need,” Wilson said.
The attorney general said he had spoken with the governor, who offered additional state assistance.
“Rural Ohio is not overlooked,” Wilson said. “We are down here shoulder to shoulder with the men and women in the trenches.”
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible as investigators examine the home, electronic evidence, medical findings, and statements from those involved.
