A couple accused of holding 16 children in a squalid Ohio home now faces additional charges related to the sexual abuse of a young relative. Gary Siders Jr., 37, and Elizabeth Siders, 33, were indicted by a Vinton County jury on Friday.
The new charges stem from a separate investigation that led authorities to the Hamden, Ohio, home where the 16 children were discovered on June 30. Prosecutors stated that law enforcement was seeking DNA from Gary Siders Jr. for the child sex abuse case when the warrants unexpectedly led them to the "house of horrors."
According to prosecutors, the alleged child sex abuse involves interfamily relations and does not pose a risk to the general public. The victim is not a member of the Siders’ immediate family. Elizabeth and Gary allegedly abused a minor more than 10 years their junior between January and September 2022. They face two counts of third-degree sexual battery and one count of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, in addition to the charges related to the 16 children.
A separate investigation in Hocking County by Josh Saunders, 23, and Brandon Henderson Sr., 40, also implicated the Siders in similar alleged conduct, according to reports.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson stated that the investigations are ongoing. "These indictments are the latest developments in the ongoing investigations, but our work is far from complete," Wilson said in a press release. "BCI is actively investigating these cases alongside the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, and my office will continue to support Prosecuting Attorney William Archer as the legal process continues."
Following the discovery of the squalid conditions, Gary Jr. and Elizabeth were each indicted on 19 counts of child endangerment, including second-degree felonies alleging the children suffered serious physical harm. The children, who ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years, were found living in a cramped 12-by-12 room. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the scene as "pure evil."
Gary Jr.’s parents, Christina Siders, 68, and Gary Siders Sr., 73, also face child endangerment charges. Christina faces 19 counts, and Gary Sr. faces 16 counts.
Counsel for Elizabeth Siders has indicated that she is suffering from mental health issues, raising concerns about her competency to assist in her defense.