A man and a woman face charges after authorities discovered five children living in appalling conditions filled with fleas, lack of food, and surveillance equipment connected to the father’s room.
James Russell Kahl, aged 65, and Carly Kahl, aged 41, have been accused of endangering children’s well-being, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.
Following a tip about the children residing in distressing circumstances, the police visited the residence last month.
Authorities expressed shock at the situation, describing a room resembling a dungeon with a camera fixed to the father’s space, calling it sickening. The couple was apprehended after a search revealed a stun gun, a fake gun, surveillance gear, drugs, and drug-related items.
Allegedly, Russell coerced Carly into using a Taser on one of the children recently, as per court documents. The district attorney condemned the use of such force against a child.
The children, aged between five and 14, were found confined in a filthy room without proper food, clothing, or beds. The door had multiple locks on the outside, leaving them trapped inside without a handle to escape.
Authorities noted feces on the walls and insects infesting the floor coverings. It was claimed that James neglected his children by consuming marijuana throughout the day.
The district attorney commended a family member who reported the appalling conditions to the state’s ChildLine system, urging the public to be vigilant about child welfare.
Both parents have been denied bail and are detained in the county jail. Court records indicate Russell’s prior legal issues, including a harassment charge from 2006.
The children were rescued and placed under the care of Child and Youth Services (CYS) for their safety.