The parents of a West Virginia boy were arrested on child neglect charges after he was sent to school with cockroaches in his backpack and bug bites all over his body, according to authorities and news reports.
Dwayne and Dorothy Hickman’s The son and daughter have since been removed from their home in Doddridge County, where authorities found “deplorable living conditions,” the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office said, WDTV reported, citing court documents.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by WBOY, the investigation into the couple began on Feb. 10 when a staff member at a local preschool, Doddridge County Early Learning Academy, expressed concerns about the brothers attending the school.
The criminal complaint said school staff reported cockroaches in a child’s backpack and noticed bug bites on his “face, hands and butt,” the station reported.
According to court documents, the boy’s sister told the teacher her clothes were “dirty” and asked them to wash her clothes, WDTV reported.
Florida parents arrested after seeing cockroaches ‘crawling’ on baby in moldy home
After the report, deputies alerted Child Protective Services and charged Dwayne, 37, and Dorothy, 29, with child neglect, authorities said, according to WBOY.
Child Protective Services visited the Hickmans’ home and took custody of their children, WBOY reported. Law enforcement did not specify the ages of the children.
Court records show the Hickmans were each charged with two counts of aggravated child neglect creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm. US Weekly Performance on Wednesday 18th February.
They each pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday, Feb. 13, according to court records.
Defense attorneys representing Dwayne and Dorothy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. us.
Court records show Dwayne and Dorothy’s bonds were initially set at $20,000. Dorothy’s bond amount was later reduced to $10,000.
According to court records, Dorothy will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on the morning of February 18. Dwayne will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on February 20.
The couple is being held at the North Central Regional Jail in Greenwood.
Missouri couple arrested for neglect after raising foster child with lice in filthy home
According to the La Neve Law Firm in Clarksburg, under West Virginia law, if a person is convicted of child neglect creating a risk of great bodily harm or death, they could face one to five years in prison and a possible fine of up to $3,000.
In another recent case of alleged child neglect, the father and stepmother of an 11-year-old Indiana girl have been arrested in connection with her death, authorities said. us Previously reported.
The girl was found dead at a home in Steelesville on Saturday, Feb. 14, the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
her father, Kenneth Vasquez39, with her stepmother, Elba VazquezThe 35-year-old is facing a felony charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
If you or someone you know has experienced child abuse, please call or text the Children’s Helpline: 1-800-422-4453.
