Two Children Abandoned At Filthy Home With Ill-Treated Animals: Police

A woman faces charges after police said they found animals and children living in unsafe conditions.

On Sept. 15, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia responded to a home for a visit with an 18-year-old autistic student who had not attended school.

Deputies arrived at the home and found it heavily overgrown, with sounds of dogs barking, according to the sheriff’s office. There was also a strong odor coming from the home.

Investigators said a mom had abandoned two children in the home. There were also badly emaciated and deceased animals in the home.

The animals were taken to the vet for care, according to the sheriff’s office.

Police identified Colleen Lagines, 38, as a suspect and she was arrested.

She was charged with four counts of felony child abuse and neglect, though police say additional charges are possible. She is being held in jail without bond.