Va. mother arrested after 2 abandoned children, emaciated and deceased animals found in home
09/20/2022 12:10 pm PDT
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (TCD) -- A 38-year-old mother was arrested and charged after authorities reportedly found two abandoned children and emaciated and deceased animals in her home.
According to a news release from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, on Sept. 15, deputies and the Department of Social Services responded to a home on Jeters Chapel Road after learning an 18-year-old autistic student had not been attending school.
At the home, the Sheriff’s Office said deputies heard dogs barking from inside along with "extreme odors emitting from the house."
Upon further investigation, authorities reportedly learned two children had been abandoned by their mother in the home.
Animal control also responded to the home and found "badly emaciated and deceased animals," according to the Sheriff’s Office. Many of the animals in the home were reportedly brought to the Riverside Veterinarian Clinic for treatment and examination.
On Sept. 16, the abandoned children’s mother, Colleen Lagines, was arrested and charged with four counts of felony child abuse and neglect, the Sheriff’s Office said. She remains held without bond.
Bedford County Sheriff’s Captain Shannon Zimmerman told WSET-TV the children are with social services and in healthy condition.
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