A grandfather in Ohio, living under dire circumstances, has been released on bail due to a severe medical issue that could threaten the county’s finances, prosecutors have stated.
Gary Siders Sr., 73, required hospitalization after a fall while being transported from jail to a preliminary hearing for a child abuse case, leading to vomiting, according to Vinton County Attorney William Archer.
Medical tests revealed that Siders Sr. is suffering from a serious condition that necessitates treatment at a hospital outside of the local area, although the specifics of the illness and the facility have not been shared.
Vinton County, with just about 12,800 residents, is known as one of the state’s poorest counties, with a median household income around $70,000, which is significantly lower than the Ohio average.
Before his release, Siders Sr. was held on a $300,000 cash bail, alongside his wife Christina Sanders (67), son Gary Siders Jr. (36), and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Siders (33).
All family members face a total of 68 felony charges related to child endangerment after authorities found 16 children in alarming conditions within their home on June 30.
Typically, if someone is held in a county jail, taxpayers cover their medical expenses. Archer noted, “the county would have to manage his care, which could potentially bankrupt Vinton County.” To reduce this potential financial burden, legal representatives sought modifications to Siders Sr.’s bail.
Now, he will be released on a $300,000 “recognition bond,” which allows for necessary medical treatment without costing the county funds. However, it remains unclear who will cover the high medical expenses.
Following his hospital release, Siders Sr. won’t return to jail but will have a GPS device to monitor him, as confirmed by his legal team.
Archer reassured that the new bond arrangement does not jeopardize public safety. Prosecutors noted discussions regarding Siders Sr.’s mental competency to stand trial, given concerns about his ability to understand courtroom proceedings and recognize the roles of those present.
Authorities arrested the Siders family after executing a separate search warrant at their Hamden residence, uncovering 16 children confined in a filthy 12-by-12 room.
Local authorities reported that the children, believed to be the offspring of Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth, were taken to hospitals across Ohio, with some in critical condition after their rescue.
Much concerning the children’s past is troubling; they reportedly never attended school and had minimal communication skills, with one 18-year-old unable to even write his name due to developmental challenges.
Although interviews with the children are pending, it was stated that “all children are safe and being cared for,” according to Archer’s remarks on Wednesday.
Details regarding when the defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty, will appear before a grand jury are still unclear. Archer mentioned that grand jury proceedings in Vinton County are infrequent compared to larger counties, which may contribute to delays.
Vinton County is the least populous in Ohio, encompassing about 415 square miles, contrasted with Franklin County’s substantial population of over 1.3 million.
Boehm, Siders Sr.’s attorney, has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the case.
