INDIANA — A Fort Wayne woman has been arrested and charged after police discovered children living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions inside a home.
According to court documents, Ashley Rogers, 42, faces three counts of neglect of a dependent following an investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department.
Officers were called to a residence on April 30 around 12:22 p.m. after receiving a report of someone attempting to harm themselves with a weapon. When officers arrived, they spoke with Rogers’ boyfriend, who said a 17-year-old girl was inside the home with her 18-year-old boyfriend. He told police he had tried to contact Rogers, who was reportedly at work, before leaving the scene.
As officers continued their investigation, they observed concerning conditions outside the home, including trash scattered around the property and animal feces falling from the doorway. An unplugged refrigerator containing food was also found on its side outside.
Police later entered the home and reported finding severe unsanitary conditions throughout the residence. According to documents, the home contained animal feces, trash, mold, urine, and general filth. Officers noted there was little food, no working refrigerator, and limited running water. The toilet was reportedly dirty and lacked water.
Authorities also observed structural concerns, including broken doors and windows, peeling paint, damaged ceilings, and filthy bedding. In the basement, a furnace with an open flame was surrounded by piles of clothing, creating a potential fire hazard. Black mold was also found in the basement and on the exterior of the home.
A 13-year-old boy at the residence told officers he lived there with Rogers, his siblings, and that Rogers was often home when not at work. Court documents state that when contacted by phone, Rogers appeared unconcerned about her daughter’s well-being and indicated she planned to leave the children in the care of the daughter’s 18-year-old boyfriend.
Animal control later removed three dogs from the home due to unsafe conditions.
Rogers was taken into custody and transported to the Allen County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
