Three adults have been arrested in Marietta, Georgia, after police found 15 children living in a two-bedroom apartment under conditions authorities described as deplorable.
The children, who range in age from 1 to 17, were found at an apartment complex on Bells Ferry Road during a welfare check involving the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.
The investigation began after DFCS received a referral concerning two children believed to be living at the apartment. Workers requested assistance from Marietta police when they were unable to make contact with an adult at the residence.
As detectives worked to obtain a search warrant, 15 children came out of the apartment. Police later determined that three adults and all 15 children had been living in the two-bedroom unit.
The three adults were identified as 40-year-old Ashley Jackson, 41-year-old Derrick Jackson and 36-year-old Briana Reynolds. They later arrived at the apartment, where police said they identified themselves as the children’s biological parents.
Police Describe Conditions Inside the Apartment
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators documented several problems inside the residence.
According to arrest warrants, there were only nine beds for the 18 people living in the apartment. Investigators also reported that there was not enough food to support all 15 children and that there was no toilet paper in the home.
A blanket with visible mold growth was also found hanging in one of the bedrooms.
Investigators further reported that marijuana was present inside the apartment and was accessible to the children.
The children were also reportedly left without adult supervision for several hours before the adults returned.
Children Relocated After Welfare Check
Following the investigation, DFCS staff moved all 15 children to safe environments.
Authorities have not publicly released details about the children’s current placements or provided additional information about their individual conditions.
The original welfare check was connected to concerns involving two children, but officials have not publicly detailed the allegations that led to the referral.
Three Adults Face Child Cruelty Charges
Ashley Jackson, Derrick Jackson and Briana Reynolds each face charges of first-degree and second-degree cruelty to children, along with marijuana possession.
Derrick Jackson also faces an additional charge of crossing the guard line. Police allege that marijuana was discovered concealed on him when he arrived at the county correctional facility.
The three adults were booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and are being held without bond.
The case remains under investigation, and additional information about the children’s circumstances and the court proceedings may be released as the investigation continues.
