LEXINGTON, N.C. — A Lexington couple has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse after seven children were found in a home with poor living conditions, according a news release from Lexington police.
Michael Patrick McKnight, 24, and Jamie Leigh Hiatt, 24, both of Lexington, are each charged with felony neglect-child abuse involving serious injury and six counts of misdemeanor child abuse.
Lexington police came a home at 410 Irma Avenue in reference to a welfare check at 10:20 p.m. Friday.
Once at the home officers observed very filthy and unhealthy living conditions, the release said.
The children ranged in age from 1 to 6.
Two 18-month-old twins and a 1-year-old were taken to Lexington Medical Center for treatment. The two twins and 1-year-old were later transported to Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem for treatment. They are currently listed in fair condition. The 1-year-old has been released and is being placed by Davidson County Social Services.
Staff at Lexington Medical Center found maggots in the diaper of one of the children.
Living conditions at the home ranged from human and animal feces and urine scattered around the home to a very dirty and unhealthy environment for any human life, the release said.
McKnight is the parent of three of the children and Hiatt is the parent of four of the children.
McKnight and Hiatt were each given a $100,000 secured bond each and a court date of Nov. 20.