Arkansas couple charged after police say children lived in home with feces, urine
By Abner Sosa
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BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A Bentonville couple faces felony charges after police say children were living in unsanitary conditions inside their home, according to court documents filed in Benton County.
Nicholas Snyder and Robyn Peterson are each charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and multiple counts of animal cruelty, according to affidavits filed in Benton County Circuit Court.
Officers with the Bentonville Police Department were dispatched March 2 to a home on Southwest Stonegrove Road for a welfare check after a report of possible poor living conditions and physical abuse, according to the court documents.
When officers entered the home, they reported smelling strong odors of ammonia and animal urine and observed dried urine, feces and trash on floors throughout the home, according to the affidavits.
Investigators also reported dirty diapers scattered throughout the home and said young children were running around barefoot, wearing only diapers. The documents state the children had bruises and scratches on their bodies and were in an environment where cleaning chemicals and animal waste were within reach.
Police also found several animals inside the home, including five dogs and three cats, according to the affidavits. Bentonville Animal Services responded and described the home as unfit for animals to live in, the documents state.
Authorities contacted the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and investigators placed a hold on the children, according to the affidavits. Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children investigators are also involved in the case.
A judge later found probable cause for arrest warrants for Snyder and Peterson on the charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and cruelty to animals, according to the Benton County court filings.
Both defendants have been appointed public defenders, according to court records.
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