Crime · Middletown, OH
Couple Charged After 4 Children Removed from 'Deplorable' Middletown Home
Melanie and Christopher Todd of Middletown, Ohio, face four counts of child endangerment and several counts of animal cruelty following a Sept. 29 welfare check at their home on Cardinal Court, according to the criminal complaint. Officers responded after Middletown City Schools reported two 10-year-old children appeared dirty and said they had no food. Police described conditions as "deplorable and unlivable," citing holes in walls and floors, bedbug and cockroach infestation, animal feces, and little edible food. All four children were removed and placed with family members; officers also removed four cats, pet fish, mice, gerbils, and tarantulas. Both adults are in custody at the Butler County Jail pending arraignment Thursday.