Three children were found alone in a Katy-area home filled with animal feces, moldy food and insects after a neighbor called for a welfare check Saturday, Aug. 8, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded to the 19100 block of Clevera Walk Lane in west Harris County after the neighbor reported trash bags piled outside and a foul odor coming from the house, ABC13 reported. The smell inside was so overwhelming that the responding deputy initially believed someone had died, court documents state.
The children, ages 11, 13 and 15, were home without any adults. One of the three has autism, deputies said.
No edible food remained in the refrigerator.
Court documents describe animal feces throughout the residence, full trash bags, food covered in mold and insects. Spoiled food was found in multiple bedrooms, according to CW39.
The parents, Bradley and Kimberly Lord, returned to the home about 40 minutes after the deputy arrived. The sheriff's office described Bradley Lord as "extremely belligerent and uncooperative" during the encounter, according to court documents.
Child Protective Services was called to the scene. Both parents were charged with child abandonment with intent to return under Texas Penal Code Section 22.041, a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
Bradley and Kimberly Lord appeared in court Sunday, Aug. 9, and were each released on $5,000 bond.
Bradley Lord told ABC13 the situation has not affected their custody of the children. CPS told ABC13 that whether there had been previous investigations at the home is not public information.
The Houston SPCA's investigations department served a notice of investigation for animal cruelty at the home Monday, Aug. 10. Multiple dogs were still inside as of Monday evening.
No next court date has been announced. The case remains under investigation.
Residents who suspect child abuse or neglect can call the Texas Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or report online at txabusehotline.org. To report concerns to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, call 713-221-6000.
