Ohio Grandfather Avoids Prison in Case of 16 Children Rescued from Squalid Home

Gary Siders Sr., a 73‑year‑old grandfather, was charged with multiple counts of child endangerment after investigators rescued 16 children living in deplorable conditions at a Vinton County home in Hamden, Ohio. The case, described by Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson as "terrible" and "pure evil," also led to the arrest of other family members.

Vinton County prosecutors said Siders Sr. will not be jailed because he suffers a serious medical condition that requires specialized hospital care outside the area, and his incarceration could cost the county millions of dollars, potentially bankrupting it. He was hospitalized after a fall while being transported from jail to a preliminary hearing. The decision leaves him in custody but out of prison while his health and competency issues are addressed.