Published: August 21, 2008 06:59 am            

Mother arrested for abuse

Local News

A Somerset woman was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal abuse after deputies found living conditions were deplorable for her four children.

Lisa S. Denny, 40, 123 Aqua Trail, Somerset, was arrested following an investigation yesterday.

According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation began when Deputy Charles Boston, who is a School Resource Officer at Southern Middle School, along with family resource center personnel, went to check on the status of a 13-year-old student at the home.

Upon arrival, Boston and family resource center personnel found the living conditions at the residence to be deplorable. Sheriff Todd Wood, Chief Deputy Larry Wesley and Lt. Brett Whitaker responded to the location, along with personnel of the Department of Social Services to look into the matter further.

The investigation revealed garbage piled inside and outside the residence. The interior of the residence had not been cleaned for a long period of time and had dirty dishes and food items scattered throughout. The floors and bathroom had not been cleaned as well. There were also flies, along with a smell from the filth coming from inside the residence which made entering almost unbearable for the investigators on the scene, officials said.

The four children who live there, ages 14, 13, 6, and 4, were taken into custody by the Department of Social Services.

The Sheriff’s Department said at the time of the initial investigation, the father of the children was not at the residence.

Following the incident, Sheriff Wood noted that parents should be aware of programs that are available to assist them when conditions arise which require assistance beyond what they can provide.

“We cannot and will not allow children, when we become aware, to be subjected to such treatment and living conditions,” said Wood. “Children and those persons who can’t take care of themselves have a special place in all of our hearts and we will always step forward to intervene on their behalf.”

The investigation is continuing by the Department of Social Services and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

        

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