Reelsville mom, 29, charged with neglect of her three children
REELSVILLE -- A 29-year-old Putnam County mother is facing three counts of neglect of a dependent following an investigation by child services officials and the Indiana State Police.
Heather Nicole Rutherford, of Reels-ville, reportedly placed her three children in a situation that "endangered their lives and health and furthermore deprived them of the necessary support they were in need of," Indiana State Police (ISP) revealed in a press release.
Rutherford was arrested and charged with three counts of neglect of a dependent, all Class D felonies.
The investigation unfolded after the Indiana Department of Child Services in Putnam County contacted the Indiana State Police at the Putnamville Post on Monday, Feb. 24 regarding an alleged case of child neglect.
An ensuing investigation revealed, authorities said, that Rutherford had placed her three children in a situation that allegedly endangered their lives and well-being.
Sgt. Curt Durnil, an ISP public information officer, noted that the probable cause affidavit filed in Putnam Superior Court indicated living conditions in the home were extremely poor, including decaying food, trash and animal urine and feces about the residence.
The children were also said to have extremely poor hygiene as well, the officer said. The three children -- ages 8, 9 and 10 -- were immediately placed in foster care, authorities said.
The Putnam County Department of Health assisted with the investigation as well.
Authorities advise that anyone who suspects a child is being neglected or abused should call Indiana's Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-800-5556) immediately. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Such abuse and neglect information can be reported anonymously, officials said.