After the execution of a search warrant Monday, deputies charged Colin Zeidenstein-Wilson and Jenn N. Xancada, both 32, with endangering the welfare of a child and animal cruelty, misdemeanors, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.
Wilson also was charged with multiple vehicle and traffic charges stemming from a suspended license.
Police were alerted to an issue at 226 Dutchtown Road by an equestrian rescue group that was called by a neighbor. Five horses, one donkey, two dogs and eight cats were seized from the property, said Broome County Detective Sgt. Jason T. Ellis.
All the animals appeared to be malnourished and have been relocated to shelters for care.
Also at the home was the 13-year-old daughter of the couple.
“We have taken the parents into custody at this point for endangering the welfare of a child,” Ellis said. “We’re looking for relatives.”
Neighbors said they believed the child was home-schooled and the family sometimes lived in tents in the woods. Police confirmed the information, saying they were still investigating which family members lived in the tents.
The property included a light blue mobile home, three Jeeps in the driveway — one of which two dogs were attached to — and small pastures bordered with electrical fences.
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| Colin Zeidenstein-Wilson |
Neighbors said they’ve complained to authorities for years, including Child Protective Services, state police and town officials.
It’s been a pigsty since the day they moved in. That poor child has been neglected for years," said neighbor Rose Troiano.
"I tried to approach her many times and nothing was done. Time and time again to sit outside and watch and the stench and the smell, to watch the little girl dirty. She's been to my home a few times and I know she's been neglected by the way she asked me if she could take food home and hide it to eat later," neighbor Maria Garcia.
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| Jenn N. Xancada |
Wilson and Xancada were released and ordered to appear in Windsor Town Court to answer the charges.
The sheriff’s office was assisted by Equine Rescue Resources, Broome County Animal Care Council, Town of Windsor Dog Control, New York State Humane Society, Forget Me Not Equine Retirement Center and Broome County Child Protective Services.
(pressconnects.com - Oct 1, 2012)
