Two arrests made by North Vernon Police in a child abuse investigation

Parents charged with of neglect of a dependent

Two arrests were made by the North Vernon Police in a child abuse investigation where a small child was allegedly neglected by his parents.

Police say they were called to a home in the 200 block of Manor Road earlier this month on a report of a battery on small child. While the child appeared OK, police discovered that the living conditions in the home “horrid,” according to Sgt. Andrew Richmond.

Police said that there was a fish tank containing dead fish and left over food on the front porch, exposed electrical wiring, sewage in a bathroom, and piles of dirty clothes. There was also no electricity nor hot water , very little food and no cold food storage.

Officers asked the 9-year-old when his last meal had been, and the boy said he had last eaten during lunchtime at school. The call came in at about 11:25 p.m. on the night of Friday, Aug. 10th according to police reports.

Police arrested the parents, 42 year old Justin Dubben and 47 year old Karen Dubben on charges of neglect of a dependent.

The boy was taken from the home by the Jennings County Department of Child Services. Jennings County Animal Control also removed a dog from the home.