A disturbing case of alleged child endangerment and assault has emerged from Scioto County. Authorities responded to a call for a welfare check on children at a Riddlebarger Road residence. According to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, the site revealed neglectful conditions and injuries to the young inhabitants.
"Sheriff David Thoroughman states that his office was contacted by the Scioto County Children Services on Wednesday, September 4, reporting that they had received an anonymous call asking to quickly check the welfare of children living on Riddlebarger Road," as narrated in the official report via Scioto County Sheriff's Office. This team included Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel, Detective John Cart, and a Children Services Investigator responded to the call.
The deputies discovered four children, whose ages ranged from one to seven, living in what was described as deplorable conditions at 1257 Riddlebarger Road, Portsmouth, Ohio. The children had multiple injuries and were in a state of neglect, prompting their transportation to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment.
David L Shepherd, 27, and Amanda C Shepherd, 29, identified as the residents and guardians of the children, were arrested following the investigation. "Both have been charged with three (3) counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 2nd degree, four (4) counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 3rd degree, and three (3) counts of Felonious Assault, a felony of the 2nd degree," the sheriff's office stated. They are currently being held on a notably high bail of $410,000 at the Scioto County Jail.
The couple appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court yesterday, September 5, signaling the start of a judicial process that may yield additional charges as the investigation remains active. Sheriff Thoroughman thanked Prosecutor Shane Tieman and his Special Victim’s Unit for their assistance with the troubling case.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with further information to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091 as their investigatory efforts continue. The community's reaction to the events on Riddlebarger Road has yet to be fully expressed, but the gravity of the charges at hand reflects a collective concern for the safeguarding of its youngest and most vulnerable members.
