Couple charged for squalid conditions where children found living in filth

Chattanooga, TN – A couple faces charges for allegedly neglecting two children found in deplorable living conditions. Leon Woods, 65, and Carol Phillips, 36, are each charged with child neglect after a wellness check by law enforcement.

On November 21, police responded to a call about an argument between the adults. They could not access the front door due to tables blocking the entrance and had to knock on a window to gain entry.

Once inside, officers were met with an overwhelming stench and unsanitary conditions. Reports indicate that roaches infested the home, including crawling on food in the refrigerator and on furniture.

Officers observed one child in a diaper on the floor, which was also infested with roaches. A second child, just one year old, was found lying face down on a dirty mattress.

The house reportedly contained dangerous items such as a sharp metal gate and exposed nails. Neighbors expressed concern about the children’s welfare and indicated that police had been called to the residence multiple times prior to the arrest.

One neighbor reported screaming from the children and filed two child abuse reports in recent months. Court records show that Woods and Phillips are scheduled for a court date on December 5.

Woods is registered on the Tennessee sex offender registry due to previous offenses and faces additional charges for violating his supervision conditions.

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