Authorities in rural Ohio uncovered a deeply troubling case after a court-authorized search led investigators to a home in Hamden, Vinton County.

Inside, they found 16 children from the same family, ranging in age from about 17 months to 18 years. Authorities said many of the children had been confined to an approximately 12-by-12-foot area for much of the previous four years.

Officials said the children were living in severely neglected and unsanitary conditions. Some reportedly had significant developmental delays, while authorities said the children had not been enrolled in school and had limited medical or government records. Several children were taken to hospitals for evaluation, with some requiring more extensive medical care.

Four adults — Gary Siders Sr., Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders and Christina Siders — were arrested and each faced 16 felony counts of endangering children. They initially pleaded not guilty, and bond was set at $300,000 each.

What has shocked investigators and the surrounding community is how long the children reportedly remained isolated. Neighbors told reporters they had not realized that children were living inside the home. Authorities said the case appears to involve prolonged neglect within the family and is not a child-trafficking case.

The children were placed in temporary custody while authorities continued investigating. Officials have also said additional charges could follow as the investigation develops.

The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against the adults have not been resolved in court.

Source: WSAZ, ᴀssociated Press