Vinton County

The attorney for a Vinton County woman accused of endangering her grandchildren says his client may have dementia and is asking the court to pay for a specialist to evaluate her.

A new hearing date for Christina Siders will be set later. Her attorney argues $300,000 bond is too high as Siders has no means to pay.

Elizabeth Siders is the child’s aunt, according to the indictment, which notes the child was at least 13 years old but younger than 16.

Gary Siders Jr. entered the plea at his arraignment in Vinton County Court of Common Pleas.

Siders was arrested in late June after officers found his children living in deplorable conditions in their home. He faces 19 counts of endangering children in that case.

Gary Siders Sr. was arrested in June with three others after 16 children were found living in deplorable conditions.

The parents of the 16 children found in deplorable conditions in a house in the village of Hamden now face sex abuse charges involving a child who is not a member of the immediate family.

Did the state fail this family? How are child welfare advocates, state officials and others working to respond and repair the cracks in the system.

The four defendants were arrested after 16 children were found inside a room in a rental home. The room was filthy, including contamination with human feces.

The attorney for Elizabeth Siders requested an evaluation to determine if she should be found not guilty by reason of insanity and if she is competent to stand trial.