Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card
Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Mother charged with child abuse after police welfare check reveals deplorable conditions

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1 min read
November 20, 2025

Louisa, KY – A 26-year-old mother was arrested after police conducted a welfare check at her home. Virginia Lynn Fernow faces charges of criminal abuse of a child and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Officers responded on Friday after receiving concerns about her two young children. They reported a foul odor emanating from the residence upon arrival.

Fernow was found to have her children, ages 2 and 4, in deplorable conditions. She informed police that her daughter had sustained a burn from a heater and claimed she treated the injury with diaper rash cream.

During the visit, police requested to see the children, which Fernow allowed but warned them about dog feces on the floor. Upon entering, officers observed garbage and feces throughout the home.

The children were discovered in a bedroom with no clothes on, surrounded by flies and insects. Fernow reportedly admitted to not cleaning the residence for several months.

She was taken into custody and is held at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond. A court date is set for November 19.

Police have not disclosed the whereabouts of the children following the arrest.

Phil Stilton

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