Four members of the Siders family pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning after authorities discovered 16 children living in what officials described as severely unsafe and deplorable conditions at a home in Hamden, Vinton County, Ohio.

Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders, Gary Siders Jr., and Elizabeth Siders were arrested after authorities executed search warrants at the residence on June 30. Prosecutors said the investigation resulted in child-endangerment charges involving the 16 children, who ranged in age from about 1 to 18.

The four defendants appeared in Vinton County Common Pleas Court on July 1 and entered not-guilty pleas. Each initially faced 16 counts of child endangerment, with bond set at $300,000.

Authorities said the children were found inside a small home in conditions that raised serious concerns about their health and welfare. Investigators reported that the children had been living primarily in a cramped room measuring approximately 12 by 12 feet. Several children required medical treatment after being removed from the residence, including some who were taken to hospitals for more serious care.

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said investigators were deeply concerned about the conditions they encountered. Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer emphasized that the case was not considered a human-trafficking investigation, describing it instead as an intra-family situation.

The discovery came while authorities were carrying out search warrants connected to other investigations. Investigators said one warrant involved allegations concerning Gary Siders Jr., while another was connected to an investigation involving unlawful Sєxual conduct with a minor. The circumstances surrounding those investigations later became an important part of the broader case.

The children were placed into the care of county children’s services following their removal from the home. Officials said their immediate priority was providing medical, behavioral and other support while the investigation continued.

The case has since expanded beyond the initial child-endangerment charges. In August, a grand jury indicted the four Siders family members on charges related to the conditions in the home. Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders were also indicted in a separate investigation involving allegations of Sєxual conduct with a minor. Both have pleaded not guilty to those additional allegations.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing, while authorities continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the children’s treatment and the events that led to their discovery.

The case has drawn significant attention in Ohio as officials continue to ᴀssess the children’s needs and pursue the criminal proceedings against the adults involved.

Sources: ABC News