Kentucky Police Discover Feces-Covered Floors During Investigation That Leads to 8 Arrests

Richmond, Kentucky — Eight adults are facing criminal charges after seven children, including a child as young as one year old, were removed from a home that authorities described as being in “very filthy and deplorable condition” during an extensive investigation into alleged child abuse.

The investigation took place in Richmond, about 30 miles south of Lexington, where police reportedly discovered feces smeared across floors, stairs and other surfaces inside the residence. Authorities also reported a strong smell of feces and urine throughout the home.

According to reports, the investigation uncovered allegations involving child abuse, rape, incest and human trafficking. The seven children, ranging in age from one to 17, were placed in the care of social services.

Police Describe Conditions Inside the Kentucky Home

According to arrest citations from the Richmond Police Department, investigators found the residence in what they described as “very filthy and deplorable condition.”

Feces were reportedly found on floors, stairs and other surfaces, while the smell of urine and feces was also noted inside the property.

Investigators said at least seven children, eight adults and 10 dogs and cats were living at the home.

The discovery prompted concerns about the children’s living conditions and led to a wider investigation into alleged abuse. Authorities have not publicly detailed every circumstance that led investigators to search the residence.

The reported conditions and allegations are now part of a criminal investigation involving multiple suspects.

Seven Children Removed and Placed in Social Services Care

The seven children found at the property were between one and 17 years old, according to reports. Following the investigation, the children were removed from the home and placed in the care of social services.

Authorities have not released additional details about the children’s identities or individual circumstances. Information about their current condition and whether they require specialized support has also not been publicly provided in the available reports.

The removal was a significant development in the investigation, which involves allegations of criminal abuse and other serious offenses.

Officials have not disclosed further details about the arrangements for the 10 dogs and cats reportedly living at the residence.

Eight Adults Arrested in the Investigation

Eight adults were arrested in connection with the case. Their reported charges vary, with some suspects facing allegations involving child abuse and others facing additional sexual or trafficking-related charges.

The suspects and charges listed in reports are:

• Christine Carter, 41: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger and first-degree criminal abuse.
• Johnna Carter, 21: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger and first-degree criminal abuse.
• Richard Carter, 45: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger, first-degree criminal abuse, first-degree rape and human trafficking.
• Sarah Carter, 28: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger, first-degree criminal abuse, distribution of obscene matter and incest.
• Matthew Brumbaugh, 30: Incest.
• Mark Brumbaugh, 30: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger, first-degree criminal abuse and third-degree sexual abuse.
• Green Schindler, 63: First-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or younger, first-degree criminal abuse, incest, human trafficking, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.
• Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21: First-degree criminal abuse.

All eight suspects are being held at the Madison County Detention Center, according to the information provided in reports.

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The charges represent allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Investigation Into Alleged Abuse Remains Ongoing

The case involves multiple allegations, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the children’s living conditions and the suspected offenses.

Investigators have not publicly released a complete account of the evidence against each individual. Further details may emerge as the investigation progresses and the case moves through the legal system.

Authorities have also not provided additional information about whether further charges could be filed.

The case has drawn attention to the circumstances in which the children were reportedly living and the steps taken to remove them from the residence. For now, the seven children remain in social services care while the criminal investigation continues.

What steps do you think are most important to protect children when authorities uncover potentially dangerous living conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.