A husband and wife face charges after authorities discovered five children living in appalling conditions filled with fleas, minimal food, and a surveillance camera connected to the father’s room. James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, are accused of endangering children, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.
The police responded to a distress call reporting the children’s dire living situation at the residence. The conditions were described as horrific, with one room resembling a dungeon equipped with a camera linked to the father’s room. The officers expressed shock at the scene and deemed it unimaginable to live in such conditions.
Following the issuance of a search warrant, the couple was taken into custody. Authorities discovered a stun gun, a fake firearm, a surveillance system, drugs, and drug-related items during the search. Allegedly, Russell forced Carly to use a Taser on one of the children recently.
District Attorney Mike Aubele criticized the use of a stun gun against a child, describing it as unnecessary and inappropriate. The children, aged between five and 14, were confined to a filthy room with boarded-up windows, lacking proper food, clothes, or sleeping arrangements.
The room was secured with three locks and no handle on the inside, effectively trapping the children. Aubele labeled the situation as child captivity, emphasizing the severity of the neglect and abuse. The environment was further described as unsanitary, with feces on the walls and insects infesting the space due to James’ alleged constant marijuana use.
Authorities commended a courageous family member who reported the distressing conditions via the state’s ChildLine system. Aubele urged the public to be vigilant and report similar cases to protect vulnerable children.
Both parents were denied bail and are detained in the county jail. Court records revealed Russell’s history of legal issues, including a prior harassment charge. The children were safely removed from the home and placed under the care of Child and Youth Services (CYS).
