Fargo, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo couple is facing felony child neglect charges after authorities said two young children were found living in filthy and unsafe conditions inside a Fargo home.
Branden Alexander Brekkestran, 33, and Silas Marshall Eells, 28, were each charged Monday in Cass County District Court. Each faces one count of child neglect, a Class C felony.
Welfare Check Led To Arrests
According to court documents, Cass County Child Protective Services asked for a welfare check on March 16. The request came after a report about one child’s condition at school.
Authorities said the child had been arriving in dirty clothes. The child also appeared unkempt and had a strong odor.
When authorities reached the home, court records said Brekkestran answered the door. He reportedly warned them the home was in bad condition before letting them inside.
What Authorities Said They Found
According to the incident report, trash covered much of the home. Food was smashed into the carpet in several rooms.
Authorities also said only the front door worked as an exit. Two other exits were blocked by furniture and a board screwed across one door.
The children’s bedroom had no beds, according to the report. The children were allegedly sleeping on a thin foam mattress cover.
Authorities said food was crushed into the mattress cover. They also reported a blanket that appeared to be covered in feces.
The report said the walls and ceiling in the room were splattered with what appeared to be feces.
Authorities also said the home had no running water. In the bathroom, they reported dried feces in a child’s toilet.
The bathtub allegedly held yellow liquid, human waste, and debris. The main toilet was also reported to be overflowing.
Children Taken Into Protective Custody
The two children were taken into protective custody at the scene. They were then turned over to Child Protective Services workers, according to court records.
Brekkestran and Eells were arrested after the welfare check. Court records also indicate the children had been removed from their care before.
Both defendants were being held in custody. An arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Readers can find court information through the Cass County courts page. Child protection resources are available through North Dakota Health and Human Services.
The charges are accusations. The case will now move through Cass County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.