Oct 2, 2014 2 min read

A Canton Township couple was charged Thursday by state police with endangering the welfare of children after two boys, ages 2 and 5, and 1-year-old girl were found allegedly living in squalor last month.

Chanta Renee Ashcroft. 28, and Michael Leonard Fowler II, 30, both of 734 McKee Road, are each charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment after the three children were found living in deplorable conditions.

State police had gone to the home Sept. 23 to assist Washington County Children and Youth Services in checking on the welfare of the children.

The three children were found wearing dirty diapers. They also were not wearing proper clothing or shoes. Police also said the parents failed to provide their children with adequate food.

Mold was found in the refrigerator along with spoiled food. There was urine and feces in the house. Police also said there were flies and ticks in the house.

The three children had not been seen by a doctor in the last year, police added. State police took custody of the children until CYS caseworkers could make arrangements to have them taken to the hospital so they could be checked by medical personnel. CYS also made arrangements to get the children adequate clothing, food and shelter.

The charges will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge David Mark. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 12 before Mark.