HAMDEN, Ohio — Authorities executed a search warrant Tuesday at a home on Ohmer Street in the Village of Hamden, leading to the discovery of 16 children living in what Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson called conditions of “pure evil.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, working with the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, carried out the warrant as part of an ongoing investigation. Steve Irwin, Communications Director for the Office of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, confirmed the operation in response to inquiries about activity on Ohmer Street.
During a live news conference, Attorney General Wilson stated that 16 children ranging in age from 1 1/2 to 18 years old were found at the residence. Several of the children are receiving medical treatment at hospitals across the state, and two were care-flighted to trauma centers.
Four adults present at the home were arrested: Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, and Christina Siders. They face a total of 17 criminal charges. Wilson described the home conditions as deplorable.
The attorney general clarified that the situation does not involve human trafficking.
An arraignment for the four adults is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Vinton County.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional details about specific charges or the full scope of the probe have been released at this time.
This development comes as a major multi-agency response unfolded in the small Vinton County village, with local emergency services supporting the operation.
