Seven children were removed from a Waco home after authorities responding to a Child Protective Services investigation found what court documents describe as severe and unsafe living conditions, including a heavy cockroach infestation, animal urine throughout parts of the house and no working electricity.
Robert Sims, 41, Lateasha Quashae Johnson, 35, and Shanieka Ranae Johnson, 33, were arrested in connection with the case. Each faces a charge of abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, a state jail felony.
Sims was taken into custody Sept. 24 and, according to jail information cited in the case, was being held on a $10,000 bond. The two women were also listed with $10,000 bonds.
The investigation began when an officer went to a residence in the 1500 block of East Calhoun Avenue to assist CPS workers who were looking into several pending cases connected to the home.
What officers encountered inside prompted an immediate response.
According to the arrest affidavit, animal urine covered floors in the kitchen and bedrooms. Officers reported that their boots were sticking to the flooring and that the smell of ammonia was particularly strong.
Investigators also found cockroaches throughout the residence. The insects were reportedly present on kitchen counters, sinks, dishes and refrigerators.
The conditions became more concerning when investigators found roaches on food and cooking utensils used to prepare meals for the children. Court documents state that the adults were aware of insects getting into the food.
The home also had very limited sleeping space. Investigators reported finding just one bed for four adults and seven children.
Electric service had reportedly been disconnected several days before officers arrived. That left the residence without working lights or air conditioning while temperatures outside remained high.
According to the affidavit, the adults living at the home did not have a plan to correct the conditions and appeared to treat the infestation and state of the residence as an issue that did not require immediate attention.
CPS ultimately removed all seven children from the home and took them into protective custody.
The three adults now face criminal charges related to the conditions in which the children were living. The allegations are contained in an arrest affidavit, and the charges do not by themselves establish guilt in court.
