Three adults are facing child cruelty charges after police discovered 15 children living in a two-bedroom apartment without food or basic supplies, according to authorities.
Ashley Jackson, 40; Derrick Jackson, 41; and Briana Reynolds, 36, were detained Thursday at the Laurel Hills Preserve apartment complex on Bells Ferry Road, according to arrest warrants obtained by 11 Alive.
The inquiry began when caseworkers from the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services arrived at the home to check on two youths and requested police assistance.
When investigators executed a search warrant, they discovered 15 children aged 1 to 17 inside the residence by themselves.
According to police records, the unit housed 18 people, including three adults and 15 children who the adults claimed to have fathered or mothered.
Investigators described the inside scene as “deplorable conditions.” The flat had only nine beds for its 18 residents. Officers discovered that the home lacked basic food supplies, showed no recent indications of toilet paper, and had a mold-covered blanket hanging inside one of the bedrooms.
According to police, the three adults returned to the residence around three hours after authorities arrived and were arrested on the scene.
Ashley Jackson, Derrick Jackson, and Reynolds are each charged with first- and second-degree cruelty to minors, as well as marijuana possession. Derrick Jackson is facing an additional charge after jail workers allegedly discovered marijuana stashed inside his body when booking at the county correctional facility.
The three accused are now being held without bond.
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