Washington County has been thrust into an unsettling spotlight following a disturbing case involving a deceased individual and allegations of Social Security fraud. A couple, identified as James Bebout, 69, and Debbie Bebout, 64, is currently evading law enforcement after they were charged with grave and heinous offenses. According to a report by WPXI, the Bebouts are accused of living with the decomposed body of James Bebout’s brother, Michael, for roughly six months, allegedly to cash in over $20,000 worth of his Social Security checks.
The sordid discovery was made in January when police were alerted to the possibility of a corpse at the couple's residence in Canton Township, after James Bebout reported he believed his brother had passed away. Police found what they described as a "house of horror." The body of Michael Bebout, 64, was in such an advanced state of decomposition that only skeletal remains were left in his bed. "In my 35 years of law enforcement, this was probably one of the most atrocious and horrific conditions we’ve ever found a decedent," Police Chief Will DeForte conveyed, as detailed by WPXI.
Felony theft, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse are among the charges filed against the couple, as noted by the regional authorities. Greene Washington Regional Police Chief William DeForte revealed to TribLIVE that, besides the human remains, the house contained dead animals and significant filth, leading to its condemnation. The atrocious living conditions, as well as the deceased's state, were reportedly endured for several months while the couple cashed checks amounting to thousands of dollars.
A detailed investigation ensued, including toxicology reports to rule out foul play in Michael Bebout's death. It is believed he died of natural causes, and the couple continued living with the body to profit financially. "He was a skeleton with clothes," Chief DeForte said, TribLIVE reported. Since the grisly discovery earlier this year, the Bebouts have apparently been transient, residing at unspecified locations within the Canton area. The search for the couple continues, with police urging anyone with information to step forward, as the couple is believed to still be in the Washington County area.
