RICHMOND, Ky. — Seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 17, have been removed from a Richmond home following an investigation that led to the arrest of eight adults facing serious criminal charges, police said.
The investigation raised concerns about the conditions inside the residence, where authorities allege the children and adults were living in an environment marked by significant sanitation problems. Investigators reported finding feces and urine smeared across floors, stairs and other surfaces throughout the house.
The situation was further complicated by the number of people and animals inside the residence. Police said 15 people, including the seven children, were living in the home alongside 10 dogs and a cat.
Following the discovery, the children were placed with Social Services while authorities continued investigating the allegations. The case involved the Richmond Police Department, Child Protective Services and the Department for Community Based Services.
Eight Adults Arrested in Ongoing Investigation
Police identified the eight people arrested as Christine Carter, 41; Johnna Carter, 21; Richard Carter, 45; Sarah Carter, 28; Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21; Green Schindler, 63; Mark Brumbaugh, 30; and Matthew Brumbaugh, 30.
Authorities said the allegations involve multiple family members who lived at the same residence. Investigators have not publicly detailed the relationships between the adults and the children.
The charges vary by suspect and include first-degree criminal abuse, neglect of a child under 13, and several serious sexual offenses.
Richard Carter faces charges of first-degree criminal abuse or neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, first-degree rape and human trafficking.
Sarah Carter has been charged with first-degree criminal abuse or neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, distribution of obscene matter and incest. Matthew Brumbaugh faces an incest charge, while Mark Brumbaugh faces charges of incest, first-degree criminal abuse or neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse and third-degree sexual abuse.
Green Schindler faces charges of first-degree criminal abuse or neglect of a child under 13, first-degree criminal abuse, incest, human trafficking, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.
Christine Carter and Johnna Carter each face charges of first-degree criminal abuse or neglect of a child under 13 and first-degree criminal abuse. Ishmeal Thornsberry has been charged with first-degree criminal abuse.
All eight suspects were reported to be in custody at the Madison County Detention Center following their arrests.
Children Placed With Social Services
The removal of the seven children was a central development in the investigation, as authorities worked to address concerns about their living environment and alleged abuse.
Social Services took responsibility for the children after they were removed from the residence. Officials have not publicly released further details about their current circumstances or whether they required medical treatment.
Cases involving alleged child abuse and neglect can require coordination between law enforcement and child welfare agencies. While police investigate potential criminal offenses, child protection officials work to ensure that children are placed in a safe environment while the case proceeds.
In this investigation, authorities have not provided a complete account of when the alleged abuse began, what initially prompted the inquiry or what evidence led to each individual charge.
Investigation Could Lead to Additional Charges
Police have indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional charges may be filed as investigators continue examining the case.
The suspects were scheduled for arraignment on Monday, according to the information released following their arrests. Further court proceedings are expected to address the allegations against each individual.
The charges represent accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Authorities have not publicly answered all questions surrounding the case, including the specific roles investigators believe each adult played.
For now, the seven children remain under the care of Social Services as the criminal investigation continues in Richmond, Kentucky.
