OHIO — Three individuals are facing charges after authorities discovered several children and dogs living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions at a residence in Masury earlier this week.
According to a report from Brookfield Township police, officers responded to the 7800 block of First Street on March 11 after receiving a call about a toddler wandering outside wearing only a diaper. The caller reported that the child appeared dirty and disheveled and had attempted to enter her home.
Officers later traced the toddler to a nearby house where they learned that seven children were living. When police arrived at the residence, no one initially answered the door. Authorities contacted the Trumbull County Children Services Board before eventually making contact with the homeowner.
Police said the homeowner told officers she had been watching the children while their parents were at work. Several of the children were reportedly at school, while others remained inside the house.
When officers entered the home to check on the remaining children, they found two children in a bedroom containing multiple beds. Two dogs were also located in another bedroom with little food and no water.
Authorities also reported concerns about the availability of food for the children. Although food was said to be stored in boxes in the kitchen, officers indicated that the boxes were buried under other items and were not easily accessible.
Investigators noted that the toddlers’ diapers appeared heavily soiled and had not been changed for an extended period. Police also described the property as being in extremely poor condition, with trash scattered outside and deteriorating living conditions inside the home.
The homeowner, 69-year-old Nancy Dickson, was arrested and charged with multiple misdemeanors, including seven counts of child endangerment and two counts related to the treatment of companion animals.
Authorities also charged 41-year-old Mark Morrison and 37-year-old Cortney Dejulia with seven felony counts each of child endangerment, stating they were aware of the children’s living situation but failed to take action.
All seven children were placed in the custody of the Trumbull County Children Services Board, while the dogs were taken into care by the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County.
Court records show that Dickson and Morrison were arraigned on March 12 and are scheduled to appear in court again on March 19. Information regarding Dejulia’s arraignment has not yet been listed in court records.
