California Couple Imprisons Young Children and Forces them to Live in Squalor

Lester and Petra Huffmire are unemployed residents of Anaheim, California. They were recently arrested for allegedly locking up two young children in their mobile home while they remained inside playing World of Warcraft.

The two girls, a ten year old and a five year old, were very malnourished and a mess. Their hair was matted, feet were covered with dirt, and teeth were severely damaged. It is unclear at the moment what their relationship was to the Huffmires; however, the couple was in charge of the two children.

The couple has been charged with two felony counts of child abuse, two misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, and a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury. They have pleaded not guilty.

The girls were always locked inside and were never allowed to go outside. They were denied their rights to education and were forced to live in a derelict home. According to the investigators, the kitchen appliances were covered in mold; there were stacks of trash, debris, and feces everywhere; and the toilets were inoperable.

This abuse and neglect went on from May 2010 to May 2012.

The children were found after a neighbor had called the police for a welfare check. They were immediately removed from the conditions and taken to the hospital.

Lester and Petra are still in police custody awaiting their trial to commence.

Abuse and neglect like this is disgusting, but it occurs more often that we would like to think. If you suspect that someone is being mistreated or ignored by a caretaker, contact an Orange County Injury Attorney. A lawyer can help you and everyone involved recover and can ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for the damages that you have suffered.