MANSFIELD, Ohio – A Mansfield couple is facing child endangerment charges after City Police were contacted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus regarding injuries consistent with possible abuse to a 3-year-old Mansfield girl.
John Miller, 24, and Ashley Miller, 23, were charged with Child Endangering, a third-degree felony, after Richland County Children’s Services and officers visited their home at 1064 Pawnee Avenue Sunday evening. The Millers are the girl’s aunt and uncle.
According to Mansfield Municipal Court records, John Miller entered a plea of not guilty Monday. Miller is in the Richland County Jail on a $250,000 cash and personal recognizance bond and he was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Records show Ashley Miller remains in the Richland County Jail on a $250,000 cash and personal recognizance bond and also was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Located inside the residence were six other children ranging in age from 11 weeks to 8 years old. According to a press release from the Police Department, because of the serious medical condition of the child at Nationwide Hospital, the deplorable conditions inside the home, and a concern for their welfare, the six children were taken to Ohio Health MedCentral to be examined and evaluated. They were later transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a more thorough evaluation and then released into the custody of Richland County Children Services who were attempting to contact other family members.
During the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence and served. The Mansfield Police Forensic Science Section responded to the house and processed the scene. After interviewing both, John and Ashley Miller, arrest warrants were typed and served on them.
The Richland County Dog Wardens Office was also, contacted to remove 3 dogs and cat from the residence. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Matt Loughman at 419-755-9730.
