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Case ID: 5137

Classification: Hoarding

Animal: bird (pet)

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Hoarding, child neglect - 3 children, 30 birds
Frankfort, IN (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005
County: Clinton

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 9 files available

Alleged:
» Susan E. Payne
» Michael A. East

Susan E. Payne, 39, and Michael A. East, 45, were arrested on July 19. Police said they examined the couple's home after receiving an anonymous tip that children were living there in filth.

Officers found "general filth everywhere" in the home of Susan Payne and Michael East, Frankfort police Capt. Jeffrey Danner said. The house was littered in places with animal feces and clothes, and every room was in deplorable condition, Frankfort police Capt. Jeffrey Danner said.

"The refrigerator was full of roaches. Greasy water in both sinks," Danner said. "The food -- what little there was in the house -- did not appear to be edible."

The three children living in the house, ranging in age from 5 to 15, were taken away by caseworkers. The children's clothing and skin were caked in dirt, police said.

Animal control officers also removed more than 30 tropical birds from the house.

Miriam Sheets, a neighbor, said the 5-year-old girl was always filthy. Sheets had let her daughters play with the girl.

Sheets said she talked to Payne about the girl being dirty.

"She knew," Sheets said. " 'I know, but I give her a bath,' she says."

East was being held with bond set at $1,800. Payne, accused of violating probation, was being held without opportunity for bail.

A judge will decide whether the couple can regain custody of the children, Carmack reported.

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