Police: Addis parents arrested after 6 kids found in home with drugs, maggots, and feces
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Two parents were arrested in Addis after officers found six children living in squalid conditions inside a home filled with feces, trash, maggots, and drugs, according to police documents.
The Addis Police Department responded to a welfare check at a home on Myrtle Street on Feb. 28, where officers encountered Samantha Gordon, 33, outside. According to an affidavit, Gordon appeared delusional, telling officers that 'the Illuminati' was trying to attack her and that she was seeing people who weren't there.
As officers spoke with Gordon, they discovered she had recently given birth. She admitted to using opioids within the past 24 hours. Officers took custody of the newborn after Gordon became irate and attempted to take the child back. She was later transported to a local medical facility for evaluation.
Once inside the home, officers reported deplorable conditions, describing a strong odor of feces, kitchen counters covered in roaches, maggots, and trash, and a bathroom sink overflowing with garbage. One child was seen sleeping on a bunk bed in the den, covered in flies, while wearing a diaper.
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The affidavit states that detectives later executed a search warrant, uncovering suspected methamphetamine, two drug pipes with residue, and a lighter on a desk where the children did their homeschooling.
The six children, ages 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 13, were removed from the home and placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Despite the conditions, officers noted in their report that DCFS initially refused to take the children when called to the scene, even though there were prior DCFS referrals on record for the family. The agency ultimately took custody of the children after further assessment.
Several hours later, Daniel Hopkins, 36, arrived at the home. Police identified him as the father of the children. Both parents have a criminal history, with Hopkins previously charged with drug and fraud-related offenses and Gordon having a history of alcohol abuse.
Gordon and Hopkins were arrested, and each was charged with seven counts of cruelty to juveniles. Hopkins faces additional charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule II drug, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of juveniles
The case remains under investigation.
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