Marietta, Georgia — Three adults are facing child cruelty charges after police say they discovered 15 children living in “deplorable” conditions inside a two-bedroom apartment, where there were reportedly only nine beds, limited food and no recent signs of toilet paper.
Ashley Jackson, 40, Derrick Jackson, 41, and Briana Reynolds, 36, were arrested Thursday after authorities responded to the apartment at the Laurel Hills Preserve complex off Bells Ferry Road in Marietta.
According to police and arrest warrants obtained by a local news outlet, the residence was allegedly occupied by 18 people in total — three adults and 15 children ranging in age from 1 to 17.
The three adults reportedly told authorities that all 15 children were their biological children.
Police Describe Apartment Conditions as Deplorable
Authorities became involved after the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services requested assistance while conducting a welfare check at the residence.
According to the arrest warrants, DFCS had been notified about two youths reportedly living at the location and went to the apartment to check on their welfare.
Police later alleged that the home lacked several basic necessities.
Among the concerns investigators reportedly encountered was a lack of food inside the apartment. Officers also allegedly found a blanket covered in mold hanging inside one of the bedrooms.
The apartment reportedly had only nine beds for the 15 children, meaning there were fewer beds than children living in the residence.
Investigators also alleged that there were no recent signs of toilet paper in the home, adding to concerns about the conditions in which the children were living.
Children Were Found Alone During Search
Police eventually obtained a search warrant for the apartment.
When officers executed the warrant, they allegedly found the children alone inside the residence.
The three adults were not present when officers initially arrived. According to police, Ashley Jackson, Derrick Jackson and Briana Reynolds arrived approximately three hours later and were subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities have not publicly detailed why the adults were away from the apartment at the time officers conducted the search.
The allegations remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and the three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Three Adults Face Multiple Charges
All three adults were arrested on charges of first-degree and second-degree cruelty to children, along with marijuana possession.
The charges stem from allegations concerning the children’s living conditions and the circumstances discovered during the welfare check and subsequent search.
Derrick Jackson also faces an additional charge related to an alleged incident after his arrest.
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According to police, marijuana was allegedly discovered inside his body after he arrived at the county correctional facility.
All three adults were being held without bond, according to the reported arrest information.
Investigation Raises Questions About Children’s Welfare
The case began with a welfare check involving only two youths, but authorities ultimately encountered a much larger household.
The discovery of 15 children between the ages of 1 and 17 inside a two-bedroom apartment prompted a broader investigation into their living conditions and the circumstances surrounding their care.
Police have not indicated whether all of the children remain together or provided additional details about where they were placed following the arrests.
Child welfare authorities are expected to remain involved as investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the household and assess the needs of the children.
The allegations described in the warrants are serious, but the criminal charges still must be resolved through the legal process.
What do you think about this case? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what questions you think investigators should answer as the case moves forward.
