Richmond County deputies were shocked to find the living conditions of an Augusta home when they answered a domestic call this week.
Someone passing by 2525 Rhodes Drive heard screaming coming from the home Tuesday and called 911. A 9-year-old girl answered the door for the responding officers. She was crying and said her mommy and daddy were fighting.
The girl’s father approached and had roaches crawling on his feet. Other bugs were visible on the walls and floor of the home, authorities said.
There were plenty of cats, which explained the feline defecation and urine smell throughout the 936-square-foot house. There was no running water or electricity in the house, but deputies did find meth pipes and a lot of litter and other debris.
The girl’s parents, Jeffery Schultz Jr. and Lavetta Turner, both 42, were both arrested and jailed for contributing to the delinquency, unruliness or deprivation of a minor, which is a misdemeanor.
The Department of Family and Children Services was called and the girl was temporarily placed with her grandparents. Code enforcement and animal control were also called out to the home.
Richmond County offers many resources for families living in poverty. The financial assistance, case management services, employment, and free items available in the region are extensive, according to online records.
Residents can find help with emergency funds to pay utility bills or rent, grants, loans, or basic needs. Plus, there are churches, charities, and government assistance from Augusta DHS office. Find out more by clicking here.
