Laurel Co. Sheriff’s deputies find 5 kids living in deplorable conditions
A north Corbin couple is facing wanton endangerment charges after Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies reported finding their five children living in allegedly deplorable conditions Monday.
Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said deputies arrested 32-year-old Rick Smith and 34-year-old Vicki Smith at the residence off of Adams Road about 2 p.m.
Deputies were called to the scene in response to a complaint of a domestic dispute.
Deputies reported finding the five children, ages seven to 13, inside the home that had missing windows, no electric, no food for the children and no place for the children to sleep.
“In addition, they located the adult male subject in possession of a meth pipe with residue and straws with residue,” Acciardo said of Rick Smith.
Acciardo added that Rick Smith had allegedly entered another residence and taken approximately $100 worth of items.
Rick Smith was charged with five counts of second-degree wanton endangerment, second-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking of the value under $500 and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Vicki Smith was charged with five counts of second-degree wanton endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Rick and Vicki Smith are each being held in the Laurel County Detention Center.
They are each scheduled to be arraigned today in Laurel District Court.
Social services was called to the scene and the children were removed and placed with social services.
Deputy Daniel Grigsby along with his K-9 “Edge”, and Deputy Josh Scott conducted the investigation. They were assisted by Detective Chris Edwards.
By Dean Manning
Corbin/Whitley News Journal
