http://chronicle.augusta.com/ystories/080208/met_468017.shtml
11 children found in squalid rural house
Missing father faces neglect, other charges
By Adam Folk| Staff Writer
HEPHZIBAH --- Deputies in Richmond and Burke counties are searching
for an Augusta man after finding 11 of his children living in a home
without electricity or running water.
/ 3
Jackie Ricciardi/Staff
Burke County Sheriff Greg Coursey said there was no food in the house
except for two cans of jelly, and the children were found in ragged
clothes.
Click photo for optionsPolice made the discovery on Spring Hill Church
Road in rural Burke County on Thursday afternoon while looking for
suspects in the theft of a chainsaw, according to Burke County
sheriff's Capt. Frankie Parker.
Inside the home, they found the children, ages 9 months to 18 years
old, along with their mother. The children were wearing ragged
clothes, and aside from two cans of jelly, there was no food inside,
according to Sheriff Greg Coursey.
"She said they were eating jelly sandwiches and had eaten some chicken
before we got there," Sheriff Coursey said.
The home is located off a dirt road with few neighbors nearby.
Investigators said that had the children not attempted to steal from
their neighbor, who lives across a field full of tall grass, police
might never have known about the conditions at the home.
After checking with the local school system, investigators said none
of the 11 children has ever attended school. Capt. Parker said the
mother, 38-year-old Christine Long, claimed to be teaching the
children from home, but there are no records of her registering with
the Burke County school system nor were there school books in the
home.
"The first girl could write her name and date of birth," said Capt.
Parker, who handed out a pad and pens to the kids in order to get
their information. "The second girl couldn't figure it out, and it
just started going downhill from there."
Investigators say they believe the children's father, Jeremy Long,
lives in the 2000 block of Wrightsboro Road in Richmond County. He is
wanted on charges of child abandonment and child neglect, with more
charges to come, Capt. Parker said.
Aside from the 18-year-old, the children have been taken by the
Department of Family and Child Services and are now in foster care.
Their mother is staying in a local motel and also could face charges,
police said.
A slew of cats and kittens, along with an old mutt, were the only
remaining tenants as investigators were photographing the home Friday
afternoon. Without any electricity, the only light came from the open
flume in the fireplace and holes in the walls and ceiling -- just
enough to see several crayon drawings of Spider-Man lining the wall.
Two brown refrigerators were empty in the kitchen, balanced on a
patchwork floor of exposed plywood. A casette tape from DFACS labeled
Childproofing Your Home: Keeping Kids Safe and Healthy , was visible
in the backyard along with countless old tires and empty buckets.
The conditions described by police are criminal, said Charles Jackson,
the chairman of the Department of Educational Leader****p, Counseling,
and Special Education in the Augusta State University College of
Education.
"I've never heard of anything like this," said Dr. Jackson, who holds
a doctorate degree in educational psychology. "I've read literature
about feral children as an undergrad, but nothing recent."
The children likely have poor reading, math and social skills;
malnutrition and health, dental, psychological and emotional issues,
he said.
"There are a whole host of concerns," Dr. Jackson said. "I would like
to know where the authorities have been."
It's not unusual for there to be uneasiness associated with home-
schooling, but a situation in which children are without school for so
long is more extreme, he said.
"You're talking about intellectual deprivation," Dr. Jackson said.
Sheriff Coursey said there is no record of the family contacting DFACS
nor were they on any kind of government assistance. Dena Smith, a
spokeswoman for DFACS, confirmed that the family had never been a part
of the their system.
Burke County school Superintendent Linda Bailey said a counselor and
social worker will work with the family as the children enter school.
"We're going to do everything we possibly can do to make the
transition smooth," Mrs. Bailey said.
Staff Writer Greg Gelpi contributed to this article.
Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Comments
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i cant believe something like this still happens.mr and mrs long
should have known there are to many programs out there to help you if
your poor and cant provide(birth control being one of them).if this
was caused by pride then it is inexcusable.when it comes to children
you have to swallow that pride and ask for help no matter how bitter
it is.
Posted by i.b.e.w..electric on Sat Aug 2, 2008 4:55 AM
When the parents have severe mental and emotional problems (why else
would they act so irresponsibly), the children are the ones to suffer.
There was a reason for the isolation and I can't imagine any good
reason for it. The teenage children will have a difficult time making
the transition. This is a truly sad case.
Posted by patriciathomas on Sat Aug 2, 2008 6:22 AM
That's my thing, there are too many programs out there along with
Church and other social agencies. I agree with PT, there has to be
mental issues involved. My question is, where is their extended
family?
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:10 AM
I can't believe the Tax *****sor didn't find them and re****t them.
They could find an abandoned doghouse in a alligator infested swamp,
just to get a couple of dollars in taxes.
Posted by crackerjack on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:27 AM
Here, FELLOW I.B.E.W Member in good standing! Show THIS to these
OBVIOUSLY ill informed "clique," folk and add steve-o to the list,
please.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121755649066303381.html?mod=3Dhpp_u=
s_whats_news
Posted by sliique on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:28 AM
This is truly, truly sad. During all this time, WHERE were the
authorities? A Dfacs tape in the yard, who gave it to them??? Does a
lot of good without electricity or a player!
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:41 AM
John Paul, According to DFACS there is no record of the family EVER
receiving aid from them. You would think if they were getting
government aid one or more agency would have noticed something.
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:43 AM
So deleted our post did we? LOL
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:44 AM
IB, pride??????????????????????????????????? he is wanted for child
neglect and abandonment!!!!!! Pride??????? How about just a straight
no good piece of ****eeeeeeet!!!! Sometimes you make me question your
intellect, there general!
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:44 AM
cracker, most sensible post yet!!!!!
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:45 AM
Mr hamer, that was my bad. I was skimming the article and failed to
notice that the first pass. Do you have a problem with that?
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:47 AM
Really sounds like they may have been threatened to make them stay
hidden by the father. After all he had moved on to the outside world.
How long had he been living at a different address?? There is a baby
in this picture. Who delivered all these children? There is no telling
what they have been told about real life. I just feel that those
children would have been too curious about other people if they had
not been threatened in some way.
Posted by Just me #2 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:53 AM
I never saw anything this extreme, but if they had asked for
assistance and the children were made to go to school...this would
have opened up more issues than most agencies want to deal with. It's
very sad there are all these children that we need to help in everyway
imaginable and a mother who has such a low self esteem (God only knows
why) that she may never realize what she and her children have
suffered and what they can now have if willing to accept it. YES,
taxpayers will pay for it but I'd rather my money be spent on this
family than all the people who expect it and still do not thrive when
they get it. Our system is lacking but right now it's going to be all
this family has I'm sure. But, by the grace of God many of us could
have such a sad life! My heart is heavy for these children. We have to
be more aware of what's around us. I'm guilty too of tuning out and
staying out of it. I'm sure I'll catch hell for my opinion and it's
OK. I don't say much on here, but when I do...I mean it and it's
worthwhile to me if no-one else.
Posted by KK on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:54 AM
Reminds me of the book Tobacco Road. Where people didn't ask for help
and lived in squaller. Who knows the husband (???) might have
threatened her if she asked for any help.
Posted by farfaraway on Sat Aug 2, 2008 7:59 AM
Do any of you believe this is an isolated case?
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:04 AM
This comment was removed for violation of the comments policy.
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:07 AM
This comment was removed for violation of the comments policy.
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:12 AM
This isn't an isolated case. This goes on even right under your nose.
Do you call, when you see a bunch of kids sitting on a front ****ch all
day when school is in? Not everyone want to get involved. We as a
americans help everyone else in other countries and forget the ones
that live in the united states. There is one question....if the police
are patroling the areas on routine drive by, why weren't they spotted
several years ago?
Posted by farfaraway on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:15 AM
Far, I believe they lived down a dirt lane far off the beaten path,
but that is no excuse. As one poster mentioned. If the tax asesor is
doing his job, he has been there, more than once! For that matter, who
own the land????????????????, HMMMMMMMMMMMM
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:18 AM
This is the type of situation that really inflames me! There are some
people taking every kind of public assistance known while they don't
work, wear designer garb and drive nice cars! then there are these
people floundering outside the fringe of society. "The system" is
beyond repair at this point!! I hope our next President (regardless of
party) makes issues like this - domestic policy - a higher priority!
Posted by redapples on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:28 AM
John- I would say the tax *****sor!
Posted by farfaraway on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:33 AM
far, either way.
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:35 AM
This comment was removed for violation of the comments policy.
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:37 AM
I thought that you were that same IDIOT. You wish I lived at a
mission. I know it bothers you that a Black person makes more than you
do. This is my last post to you under this topic because it is not
about you or me.
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:39 AM
check me out on rant and raves. HEWHOCHANGEHISNAMEEVERYFEWSECONDS
Posted by FIREFIGHTERHAMER on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:41 AM
Guys lets not fight....This is what is wrong with the world...everyone
wants to fight all the time and not take time out to help the fellow
man. We as a country should be ready to help everyone. There are
several times that people state its not my problem....it is, we are
going down as a country. We are behind in education and social skills
from other countries. We have to look outside of our windows and help
our fellow man. I know there are several people who take advantage of
the situation and they need to have thier butts kicked. When someone
needs help, help them. Don't feel someone else will help them. We have
gotten to scared to help and need to do something to correct it. It
doesn't take much to give a little.
Posted by farfaraway on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:41 AM
It's so easy to place blame! We still don't know the whole story but
we sure to love to throw the judgements out. I agree with "KK". By the
grace of God many of us were born in better situations. I would rather
my tax dollars went to help this family. Obviously, if the mother had
taken her children to school, it wouldn't have taken long for "the
system" to swoop in and "fix things" by taking the children and
breaking up the family. Let's stop judging and find out how we can
help these people. And the two of you fighting on this forum are
detracting from the issue. Grow up!
Posted by Nana****ter on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:42 AM
DFAC and the foster parients have thier hands full. Its not long
before schools starts. The foster parents have to teach personal and
socail skills. Then, how are the schools going to determine what level
the kids are in. The kids need to be schooled with someone who has the
patients to get them up to speed.
Posted by farfaraway on Sat Aug 2, 2008 8:51 AM
It would be interesting to know which slumlord owns the property.
Posted by ghtty on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:13 AM
This is a very sad situation. These children have a very long road
ahead of them, it will be like transitioning to a different culture
overnight. I pray that the foster parents of these children are very
patient loving individuals. And as a homeschooling mom of 5, I am
heartbroken that homeschooling was used to explain such abuse.
Homeschooling is a wonderful thing when used appropriately and the
really funny thing is that right now with these children so far behind
it would really be a wonderful option to get them started on their
educational path so they are not overwhelmed. Homeschooling is usually
a very loving choice that benefits the children tremendously. My
children are 2 yrs ahead of their public school counterparts. I wish
the news agencies would not publish who these people are. These
children have a right to privacy, and with this plastered all over the
news how are they supposed to exercise that right? No good can come of
us knowing who exactly these people are, allow them to be annonymous
and ask for help for them.....but don't exploit them to fulfill some
need of superiority.
Posted by uscbelle on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:19 AM
What a sad, sad situation for the children and the mother. There is
absolutely no excuse for anyone to live in squalid conditions like
these. I hope the children will now receive the health care, education
and counseling they need and live in suitable homes. This is such a
shame.
Posted by enana03 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:22 AM
I can not belive someone hasn't investigated this long ago. Who's
property were they in, who collected rent, read electric meters, where
did they purchase food, who are the extended family members,
grandparents etc. How long have they lived on this site, some people
had to know the situation. I hope the Chronicle will give us updates
on this tragic situation. This should be on Dateline, Fox News.
Posted by nitpicker on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:23 AM
I believe most of the questions asked here can be answered by the
FATHER, this dispicable excuse for a human being lived in the real
world and for some reason known only to him allowed his family to live
like animals....a power trip maybe?? Religous mabe??? Just a complete
nutjob maybe??? At any rate it all comes down to him.
Posted by karmakills123 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:31 AM
what about the cats and dog, i hope they were not just left there to
fend for themselves.
Posted by realistineducation on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:40 AM
I don't know who you are referring to firefighter. I read that post
before concerning some of your idiotic comments. If you do have
abrain, which I am seriously beginning to question, why don't you try
using it, ignoremus!
Posted by johnpaulquincy on Sat Aug 2, 2008 9:50 AM
Say not father... a Father would never allow his children to live this
way. National shortage of Fathers...this is a sperm donor, no better.
Posted by tall2 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:00 AM
End welfare and section 8 and they will stop breeding like rats and
roaches. Senate Bill 268 if passed would make section 8 and welfare
recipients have mandatory drug tests. By: Senators Seabaugh of the
28th and Rogers of the 21st You do not have to live in Harrisburg to
join H.O.N.G.K.O.N.G efforts or decency... Join today:
www.hongkongaugustag=
a.org
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:01 AM
Firefighter - why do you have to bring race into this? Who cares if
you are a black person or if you make more money than some. I
seriously doubt anyone here is staying up at night worrying about it.
Stop being so hateful. You are one of the reasons racism is alive
today.
Posted by nicsmom on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:11 AM
Why go after children's father? There are hundreds of thousands of
single mothers on welfare and they had to have *** with a man? Why
make an issue with this man, when there are so many men who are bed
hopping in ghettos across America ?
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:13 AM
Sargent.....I think it is high time both parents are held accountable
for situations like this.
Posted by uscbelle on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:15 AM
The conditions those children had to live in is horrifying! Both of
the parents should be held accountable! My prayers go out to the
children.
Posted by nicsmom on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:16 AM
There are many children mostly of welfare mothers who are being used
to collect a check...That is why they turn out bad. Most of us are
simple by products of ***ual intercourse but, when we are produced to
serve as a way to get a check from the government it is truly ghetto.
I find it refre****ng that this group of people were not on public
assistance. They stayed off to themselves in the country. To bad that
mroe welfare families don't move out away form people because many of
them are vile.
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:21 AM
Not intending anything but the facts, how do we know there is "a"
father? Couldn't there be more than one? That is a lot of children.
Could one or more be a child of the 18 year old? Lots of unanswered
questions that we, the public, don't need to know. Just hope that DFAC
or other agencies will "fix" this and things will get better for the
children.
Posted by cappi on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:21 AM
ricsmon...Dig with one hand and pray with the other and let me know
which hand fills with soil first?
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:23 AM
Just a thought if the state took the children...as they should.
Where's the Mother????
Posted by Goaliemom1987 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:26 AM
think about it, what is needed is someone to keep the family as a
whole, and teach them all how to live in this society. if the mother
did'nt love them she would have left as well. it would be cheaper and,
EASIER on all of them as well as us to set them up in a home and have
help brought to them all, through dfacs,and the other organizations..
that"s the right thing to do.
Posted by ritak123 on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:27 AM
sargent - what is your purpose in your 10:23 comment?
Posted by nicsmom on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:28 AM
The Birth Control Source on Walton Way is an economical resource for
women. The staff is very educated and Augusta is lucky to have such
and economical and innovative resource. If everyone would encourage
young women to plan births (and not to gee a welfare check) We would
have less situation live this. There are too many people and not
enough natural resources.
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:30 AM
ritak123... I agree with you. They need to stay where they are. The
last thing that Augusta needs is another woman in Augusta drawing a
check for a foster child.. There are many foster welfare mothers too.
Many do it for the income.
Posted by SargentMidTown on Sat Aug 2, 2008 10:34 AM
The mother might have been young herself when she started having these
kids. Maybe she was a minor, maybe the father is keeping her pregnant
and on the side. Until I get all the facts I will not make a judgement
about the mother. Maybe she was young and didn't know better
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