Additional charges and arrest made in Child Endangerment investigation

WASHINGTON — The Washington Police Department has announced that additional charges and an additional arrest have been made in their investigation of the property at 615 South Marion Ave.

On Dec. 20, 2024, the police department executed a search warrant at the residence and the initial investigation resulted in the arrest of John Zaiss, age 35, and Heather Egbert, age 37, with four counts each of Child Endangerment.

More than 20 animals were seized from the home with the assistance of City of Washington staff and PAWS and More Animal Shelter.

On Jan. 16, Teresa Richmond, age 58, who was also residing at the home at the time of the search warrant, was arrested and is being held in the Washington County Jail. Richmond is charged with four counts of Child Endangerment (Aggravated Misdemeanors), seven counts of Animal Neglect (one Serious Misdemeanor/six Simple Misdemeanors), three counts of Failure to Provide Current Rabies Vaccination and three counts of Failure to Dispose of a Deceased Animal. Richmond is being held in the Washington County Jail on a $11,000 cash or surety bond.

In addition, Egbert has now also been charged with fourteen counts of Animal Neglect (four Serious Misdemeanors/10 Simple Misdemeanors), nine counts of Failure to Provide Current Rabies Vaccination and three counts of Failure to Dispose of a Deceased Animal. Egbert remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.

Zaiss had additional charges of five counts of Animal Neglect (Simple Misdemeanor) filed earlier in the week. On Jan. 16, Zaiss’ attorney filed a written plea of guilty and Zaiss has been released from custody, pending further court proceedings.

“We appreciate the vital role PAWS and More played in this recent investigation,” explained Washington Chief of Police Jim Lester. “The shelter’s dedicated staff and volunteers worked diligently to ensure the animals were provided food, medical care and much safer living conditions.”

Chief Lester reported that the defendants relinquished ownership of all animals and PAWS and More are helping the animals find new homes.

NOTE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and defendants are considered innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.