A Williamsburg couple has been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor after Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies reported finding the family’s home infested with roaches and in otherwise deplorable conditions Wednesday.
Deputy Cody Harrell arrested 39-year-old Deanne Walker and 51-year-old James Walker after he was called to assist officials with the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, Division of Protection of Permanency arrived at the family home on River Road to give the three children gifts and perform a home check.
“Upon arrival the social worker saw the parents of the children put the children in the car and leave in an attempt to avoid speaking to her,” Harrell stated.
Harrell and Deputy John Hill stopped the vehicle about a mile away on Red Bird Road.
At the request of the social worker, Harrell returned to the residence with the parents and social worker, finding it infested with roaches and cat urine present throughout.
Harrell reported seeing roaches crawling around boxed food and cooked food that was left sitting out on the stove.
Deanne and James Walker were each charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a minor and lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.
Under Kentucky Law, endangering the welfare of a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a potential sentence of up to one year the county jail.
The children were taken into the custody of social workers.
