Authorities in Georgia have arrested a couple for neglect after police allegedly discovered their children — including a 3-year-old suffering from an infected circumcision wound — living in “unbearable” conditions during a recent eviction.
Mackenzie Zoriah Whitfield and Anthony Clark Jr. were both charged with three counts of cruelty to children, according to online records viewed by Us Weekly.
Whitfield and Clark, both 24, were arrested after police said they found three young children, including a 3-month-old baby, living in unsanitary conditions in their Augusta apartment in Augusta.
Deputies from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said they initially reported to Whitfield and Clark’s home to evict the couple. However, they decided to look into the cleanliness of the home after they smelled urine and feces immediately upon their arrival.
The deputies walked throughout the apartment and allegedly found the floors stained with human waste, as well as trash and rotten food scattered throughout the home.
A 3-month-old boy, a 1-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy were all found inside of the home and showed signs of neglect, according to court documents viewed by Us. Police said that the 3-month-old boy had a flattened area on a portion of his head and a rash, while he was reportedly found in severely soiled bedding. Deputies cleaned up the boy, who cried out as they took care of him.
Deputies also said the 3-year-old boy reportedly had a recent circumcision, which had since become infected. Additionally, the boy’s legs were covered with dried feces, per the outlet.
“The residence was in unbearable living conditions,” one deputy said of the scene.
Deputies continued to search the home, where they reportedly found bugs, overflowing trash bins, dirty diapers and stained mattresses. Authorities also noted there were only limited amounts of edible food in the home, as well as a few canned goods.
While deputies found a stained mattress in the master bedroom, they said that one child did not have a bed and was seemingly sleeping on the floor.
After police discovered the conditions of the home, all three children were taken into Georgia Division of Family and Children Services’ custody.
In addition to being charged with three counts of cruelty to children, Whitfield was also charged with a parole violation.
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Whitfield is the mother to all three children, while Clark is the two oldest children’s father. It is not clear if the father of the 3-month-old is in the picture or if he was aware of his child’s living situation.
Both Whitfield and Clark are currently in custody at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Court dates have not been publicly revealed for the couple.
It is not currently clear if Whitfield and Clark have retained legal representation or entered pleas following their arrests.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office told Us that they have no additional updates to share as of time of publication.
