MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Preston County couple is expected back in court on child neglect charges Thursday.
Joseph Franklin Smith, 48, and Anna Marie Riffle, 32, of Masontown, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of child neglect creating substantial risk of death or injury.
Police found their four children, ages 14 months to 17 years-old, living in “atrocious” conditions August 7. A complaint from neighbors of the West Depot Street family led police to the discovery of drug paraphernalia, feces and urine covered floors, molding food and no nutritious food in the home.
Two of the children, a 9-year-old and 14-month-old, had matted hair and were found in filthy clothes according to police reports.
Riffle, who is 7 months pregnant, is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. preliminary hearing in Preston County court.
Smith will appear for his preliminary hearing at 3:30 p.m.
Child protective services removed the children from the residence.
The Preston County dog warden removed dogs from the home that were eating moldy food and appeared to have not been let outside in days.