Springfield couple accused of ‘deplorable conditions’ for 2 kids

A Springfield couple has been charged after police alleged they found two children living in deplorable conditions.

Irma Hayden and Robert Hayden, both 67, were charged with endangering children in Clark County Municipal Court. Police began their investigation around 9 p.m. Sunday when they were called to a home on Prospect Street to check on the welfare of the children.

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“Officer Adkins first observed that the ceiling in the living room was in the process of falling down and was bare to the wood strapping in spots,” a court affidavit says. “Officer Adkins also detected an immediate stench upon entering the residence. Officer Adkins then proceeded to a first-floor bedroom, directly off of the living room. Officer Adkins observed that there were mattresses stacked up on their sides, and a large amount of clutter in the room. The floor was also filthy in the living room and the bedroom.”

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The affidavit also says the kitchen allegedly had so many dirty dishes the sink wasn’t visible, several bugs and a pile of trash throughout the room. In the bathroom, feces and underwear allegedly were found floating in a bucket.

The children were removed from the home, the affidavit says, and the Haydens were placed under arrest.

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Robert Hayden pleaded guilty and Judge Denise Moody said she wanted more information on the case before sentencing him. Irma Hayden pleaded not guilty.

Both face up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for the first-degree misdemeanor.

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