SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — A couple from Portsmouth, Ohio, has been arrested on charges of child endangerment and felonious assault after authorities found four children living in squalid conditions.
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip requesting a welfare check on children at a home on Riddlebarger Road. Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel, Detective John Cart, and a Children Services investigator visited the residence at 1257 Riddlebarger Road, where they discovered four children, aged 1 to 7, living in appalling conditions. The children were reportedly filthy, covered in multiple injuries, and living in a house filled with trash and bugs.
The children were taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment, while the two adults at the home, David L. Shepherd, 27, and Amanda C. Shepherd, 29, were brought to the sheriff’s office for questioning. Following the investigation, both were charged with three counts of second-degree felony child endangerment, four counts of third-degree felony child endangerment, and three counts of second-degree felony assault. They are being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $410,000 bond and appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on September 5, 2024.
Sheriff David Thoroughman noted that the investigation is ongoing and could lead to additional charges. He expressed his gratitude to Prosecutor Shane Tieman and his Special Victim’s Unit for their assistance. Authorities are urging anyone with more information to contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
