Seven children, aged between one and 17, have been rescued from a "filthy" home in Kentucky, leading to the arrest of eight adults on charges including incest, criminal abuse, human trafficking, and sodomy. The arrests follow an ongoing sexual abuse investigation by the Richmond Police Department, which executed a search warrant at a property on Norwood Drive on Friday, October 9.
Adults arrested and charges filed
Police announced the arrests of Christine Carter, 41; Johnna Carter, 21; Richard Carter, 45; Sarah Carter, 28; Ishmeal Thornsberry, 21; Green Schindler, 63; Mark Brumbaugh, 30; and Matthew Brumbaugh, 30. All are linked to the alleged abuse of seven children, who were removed from the premises.
Court documents obtained by local Fox affiliate WDKY describe the conditions inside the home as "very filthy and deplorable." Faeces was smeared across floors, stairs, and other surfaces, and the entire property was permeated with the stench of faeces and urine. In addition to the 15 human occupants, police noted that 10 dogs and one cat also lived in the home.
Detailed charges against each suspect
Christine Carter faces one count of criminal abuse/neglect involving a child under 13 and an additional charge of first degree criminal abuse. Johnna Carter faces identical charges. Richard Carter is charged with criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, criminal abuse, first degree rape, and human trafficking.
Sarah Carter faces the same criminal abuse charges, plus accusations of distribution of obscene matter and incest. Matthew Brumbaugh is additionally charged with incest. Mark Brumbaugh faces charges of incest, criminal abuse/neglect of a child under 13, first degree criminal abuse, and third degree sexual abuse.
Green Schindler is charged with incest, human trafficking, first degree rape, and first degree sodomy, in addition to the criminal abuse charges shared by other defendants. Ishmeal Thornsberry faces a single charge of first degree criminal abuse. The nature of the relationships between the suspects and the children has not been publicly disclosed.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have confirmed that additional charges may be pursued as the investigation continues. All eight suspects were taken into custody at Madison County Detention Centre, where they remain. The arrests followed a collaborative investigation involving interviews and site visits by Richmond Police Department, Child Protective Services, and the Department for Community Based Services. The seven children have been placed under the care of Social Services.
Richmond police stated: "This case is ongoing. Community members are encouraged to report any information regarding this case to Richmond Police Department."
