Washington couple charged with child endangerment

WASHINGTON — Police said they arrested two people in Washington Friday afternoon and removed four children from their home, after officers found dozens of animals — some deceased — and piles of trash inside.

A press release shared by the Washington Police Department Dec. 20 said John Zaiss (35) and Heather Egbert (37), both of Washington, were charged with four counts of child endangerment. If convicted of the aggravated misdemeanor, each could face up to two years in prison and fines of up to $8,450, according to police.

Police said all four children in the house were now in the care of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, but said two toddlers were sent in an ambulance to the nearest hospital when officers executed the search warrant.

The press release described a grisly scene in the house on South Marion Avenue, where officers said they found trash, two dozen dogs, four cats, and three deceased animals including a hedge hog and bearded dragon.

“The interior of the home had animal feces and urine on the floors,” it said. “Officers located trash piled waist high in the basement of the home and were told that a pipe had burst earlier in the year, causing sewage to seep into the basement.”

All living animals in the house were removed, according to the release, with the help of unspecified city staff and representatives from PAWS & More animal shelter. Staff from the Iowa DHHS Child Protective Services and Washington County Ambulance were also on the scene, according to police.

Police said investigation of the case was ongoing. More detailed court records were not available as of Saturday morning.

In a second press release published on Saturday, city officials said they’d launched a campaign to gather Christmas gifts. The statement didn’t explicitly mention Friday’s arrests, but said it aimed to assist “four children who were removed from their home this week” in Washington.

“Members of the community have been reaching out asking how they can help and with the permission of family, we are working together to give the community an opportunity to support these kids,” said a joint statement from Police Chief Jim Lester and Fire/EMS Chief Brendan DeLong in the release. “Together we can make this season a little brighter for some children in need.”

Officials said they accepted donations at Washington City Hall Dec. 21-23, and expected to deliver clothes, school supplies, snacks and shoes to the kids before Christmas.