Police in Ohio have released bodycam footage that shows the poor conditions 13 children were living in before being removed from their parents’ care, according to reports.
On Aug. 10, just after 6:30 p.m. local time, Toledo Police Department officers first responded to a report of an animal complaint at a house on the 300 block of Raymer Boulevard in Toledo, the Toledo Blade reported.
When officers entered the home, they found 13 children under the age of 14 living in what officials described as “deplorable conditions that put their health and safety at risk,” according to the outlet.
Local ABC affiliate WTVG reported that court documents showed the children had multiple bug bites, the home was infested with insects, human feces was on the floor, and there was no working toilet or shower. The documents also stated that no food was found in the kitchen.
Animals had also urinated and defecated on the floor, WTVG reported.
The Toledo Blade said the children “appeared very filthy, as if they had not bathed in days,” citing affidavits.
Angel Lambert, 32, was charged with eight counts of child endangerment, according to the Toledo Blade. Cassandra A. Lambert, 27, and Angel Oliveri III, 25, were each charged with five counts of child endangerment. All three pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. The paper reported that they all live at the Toledo home.
In the police bodycam footage, one officer can be heard asking, “What is that stench?” before entering the house, according to a clip shared by local CBS affiliate WTOL.
Several children can be heard talking and introducing themselves in the video.
“I need your opinion, I need you to go inside and just look around, and tell me what you’re thinking about this entire set up in here,” an officer told another in the footage.
“Do you think these living conditions are acceptable for children?” one officer asked Oliveri after taking his information. Oliveri replied, “No I don’t.”
The officer then added, “It’s one thing if adults want to live in filth, in their own filth, and not take care of themselves. You’re adults, if you want to live that way. These kids didn’t sign up for that.”
According to Cleveland 19 News, Oliveri shares five of the children with his fiancée, Cassandra Lambert, while the other eight are the children of Cassandra’s sister, Angel.
The outlet also reported that the three suspects were ordered not to have contact with any of the children. Children’s services confirmed the 13 kids had been removed from the home.
A family member told WTVG’s 13 Action News that the children are now staying with another relative and are being properly cared for.
The Toledo Police Department, Lucas County Children Services, and the Toledo Municipal Court did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.
