Elizabeth Siders pleads not guilty to new sexual abuse charges in Ohio

Elizabeth Siders, a woman involved in a case concerning the rescue of 16 children from extreme neglect in Hamden, Ohio, pleaded not guilty to new felony charges of sexual battery and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. The charges involve a relative who was a teenager in 2022 and lived in the household for several months.

Siders is already facing multiple charges of child endangerment related to the 16 children found living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions. Following the new indictment, a judge set an additional $250,000 bail, bringing her total bail to $550,000. Her defense has requested mental competency evaluations to determine her fitness to stand trial.

Several other family members are also facing legal action. Gary Siders Jr. has pleaded not guilty to sexual abuse and child endangerment charges. Gary Siders Sr. was recently deemed incompetent to stand trial following a psychiatric evaluation. The investigation into the household, which authorities described as involving prolonged neglect and unsafe living conditions, remains ongoing.