ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Orangeburg officers found vulnerable adults living in a boarding facility with terrible conditions.
An unlicensed care facility on Rome Alley in Orangeburg was found to be housing vulnerable adults in terrible conditions.
After receiving complaints, the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) made an unannounced visit on February 15th.
While investigating the facility, four residents were found locked in rooms, a gas leak was discovered and human waste was on the floors.
Chief Charles Austin from the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety says the conditions the five residents were found in is inexcusable.
"Very disturbing,” said Chief Austin. “I don't believe that kind of treatment would be fitting for an animal,” said Chief Austin. “Inhabitable -- and it certainly was not indicative of anyone who cares for the wellbeing of human beings."
Timothy Wright and Estelle Hutchinson of Orangeburg are both being charged with neglect of vulnerable adults, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy.
The Department of Public Safety is encouraging families to investigate facilities that care for their loved ones.
"We strongly encourage that before you place an individual in the care of someone who is representing themselves as being either community care facility or a boarding house,” said Charles Auston. “They should do their homework and make sure who it is you're entrusting the care of your family members, loved ones with."
WLTX reached out to the Attorney General's office, which is also involved in the charges, for a comment but they were not able to speak due to this being an active investigation.