One of the family members charged in a disturbing child abuse case in southern Ohio was released from jail Wednesday so he could receive medical care at a hospital.
The case involves 16 children who were found in poor conditions inside a home in Hamden, a small village in Vinton County.
Gary Siders Sr. Released After Health Concerns
Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer said during a news conference that Gary Siders Sr. fell and was taken to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens.
Judge Laina Rogers approved a change to his bond, converting it from a $300,000 cash bond to a $300,000 recognizance bond.
Larger Hospital Recommended
After Siders Sr. arrived at O’Bleness, doctors recommended that he be transferred to a larger hospital for more specialized treatment.
Officials have not revealed what type of care he needs, but Archer said the medical expenses could be significant.
He said the county did not want local taxpayers to carry the financial burden if the care became extremely costly.
GPS Monitor Required if Released
Archer said the recognizance bond would allow Siders Sr. to receive the medical treatment doctors say he needs without placing the cost on Vinton County.
If he is released from the hospital, he will be required to wear a GPS monitor.
Archer did not say who will pay for the medical bills.
Competency Hearing Requested
Court filings submitted Wednesday show that Siders Sr.’s attorney has requested a competency hearing.
The defense is also considering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Archer said there have been concerns about whether Siders Sr. is able to move forward with the legal process.
Attorney Cites Confusion About Case
Siders Sr.’s attorney, Dorian Baum, said the hospital location would not be released for privacy reasons.
Court records show Baum also filed a motion asking for Siders Sr. to be evaluated because of confusion about the case, the legal process and his ability to explain basic facts about himself.
Prosecutor Limits Details Due to Investigation
Speaking in McArthur on Wednesday, Archer gave few new details.
He repeatedly said he could not answer specific questions because the investigation is still ongoing.
16 Children Found in Hamden Home
Authorities discovered 16 children inside a home in Hamden last week.
Police arrested their biological parents, Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders, as well as their grandparents, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders.
Investigators have said the children were living in deplorable conditions, and some were described as being near death.
Each of the parents and grandparents faces more than a dozen charges.
Conjoined Twins Died in 2022
ABC 6 confirmed Wednesday that Elizabeth Siders gave birth in 2022 to conjoined twins who died about an hour later.
Their names were Bailey Lee Siders and Faith Lee Siders.
Elizabeth Siders Wants to Reunite With Children
A bond modification filed by Elizabeth Siders’ attorney says she still wants to be reunited with her children.
Her attorney also said she does not have the money needed to post her $300,000 bond.
Children Safe and Being Cared For
Archer said officials have not yet interviewed any of the 16 rescued children for the investigation.
However, he said the children are safe and are being cared for.
ABC 6 also reported that Christina Siders and Gary Siders Sr. were receiving state benefits when they were arrested.
They were also paying rent.
The property owners where the children were found spoke with ABC 6 but declined to comment publicly.
Special Prosecutors Appointed
New court filings show that Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson and Kara Keating, a former Franklin County prosecutor, have been appointed as special prosecutors in the case.
The motion was filed Wednesday morning.
Wilson said his office’s role is to assist local prosecutors in a major case that may strain local resources.
He said the case remains under the leadership of the Vinton County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to Wilson’s statement, 47 of Ohio’s 88 counties have requested help from the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section in the past year.
The southern Ohio child abuse case continues to develop as Gary Siders Sr. receives medical care, defense attorneys raise competency concerns and state-level prosecutors join the investigation.
Authorities say the 16 rescued children are safe, but many details remain limited because the investigation is ongoing.
The case now involves serious criminal charges, bond disputes and questions about the defendants’ ability to proceed through the legal process.