A West Virginia couple has been sentenced after their son arrived at elementary school with cockroaches inside his backpack — triggering a child neglect investigation that removed both children from the home.
What Happened?
On February 10, a teacher at Doddridge County Early Learning Academy in West Union, West Virginia contacted police after noticing a child had bug bites on his face, hands and bottom. Staff also found cockroaches inside the boy’s backpack.
The child’s sister separately asked her teacher to wash her clothes, which were described as very dirty.
What Did Police Find?
The Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office contacted Child Protective Services, who visited the family’s home and reported finding extreme deplorable living conditions. Both children were immediately removed from their parents’ custody.
Who Are the Parents?
- Dwayne Hickman, 37 — arrested February 12
- Dorothy Hickman, 29 — arrested February 12
Both were originally charged with two counts of gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.
What Was the Sentence?
Both parents pleaded guilty to one count of child neglect and received:
- Two years of supervised probation
- Two years of unsupervised probation
- Six-month suspended jail sentence
Neither parent will serve jail time.
Where Are the Children Now?
The current custody status of both children remains unknown.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
