WCSO: Damascus couple facing several counts of child abuse and neglect for unsuitable living conditions in their residence

A Damascus, Virginia couple is facing several child abuse and neglect charges after authorities found poor living conditions inside their home.

The Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office was called to a domestic dispute involving an argument between Marty Ratliff and his wife Margaret Delp. Police spoke with them inside their residence, but then found dirty dishes in the sink with mold growing on them. This prompted a search of the home from a deputy who went to one bedroom and found two children laying on a soiled mattress in one room with human feces covering the walls in the room.

The deputy went to another bedroom and found a gate in front of another room that was cluttered with no suitable bed or mattress for the special needs child’s room. The deputy also said in the bathroom, there was a toilet that was not in longer operable but still being defecated in.

The apartment was cluttered and covered in stains, according to police. Two other children were in the living room, and the Department of Children’s Services were contacted, who determined the home was not suitable for the children to live in.

Ratliff and Delp were eventually arrested and both charged with five counts of child abuse and neglect.

Photo Courtesy: Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office