DODDRIDGE COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA, Two parents have been arrested after authorities alleged their children were sent to school in conditions that raised serious welfare concerns.
Dwayne Hickman, 37, and Dorothy Hickman, 29, were each charged with two counts of gross child neglect, according to court documents cited by local media. Police said they were contacted on February 10 by staff at Doddridge County Early Learning Academy in West Union after concerns arose about the children’s well-being.
According to a criminal complaint, a staff member discovered cockroaches inside one of the children’s backpacks. Authorities also stated that school personnel observed insect bites on the boy’s face, hands, and lower body.
In addition, reports indicate that the couple’s daughter asked a teacher if her clothes could be washed because they were very dirty.
The Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office referred the matter to Child Protective Services. A CPS representative later inspected the family’s residence and reported what authorities described as unsafe living conditions. Following the inspection, both children were removed from the home and placed in the care of Child Protective Services.
Dwayne and Dorothy Hickman were arrested on February 12 and charged with gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. During their initial court appearance, both entered not guilty pleas. A judge set bail at $20,000 each.
The couple remains in custody at the North Central Regional Jail and is scheduled for preliminary hearings on February 18. The case is ongoing.
