Unsanitary house leads to child endangerment charges

Tue, 09/23/2014 - 9:45am

A Wiscasset woman has pleaded not guilty to a pair of charges alleging she put the lives of two people, a child and a dependent, in danger.

Peggi Jean Connors, 40, of Wiscasset, was charged with Class D endangering the welfare of a child, and Class D endangering the welfare of a dependent person on Sept. 16 by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Wiscasset Police Department.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s CID Sergeant Ronald Rollins, along with Wiscasset Police Officer Paul Rubashkin, were acting on a referral from the Department of Health and Human Services when they went to Connors' address in Wiscasset.

Once there, Rollins reported that there was dog feces, rotting food and trash strewn about the house and piled approximately one foot high.

When Rollins spoke to a man who lived at the residence, the man stated he hadn't walked in five years. Rollins wrote, “it was apparent to me he was unable to care for himself.”

The man also stated that he had a minor female relative who cared for him, according to Rollins.

As part of her duties, the minor reportedly said that she picked up the dog feces, bought groceries, cooked, cleaned, and she was responsible for taking care of the man's sanitary needs and waste disposal.

In the course of the investigation, Rollins spoke with Connors, who is related to both the man and the minor.

Connors allegedly admitted to being the caretaker and reportedly admitted that the house was not sanitary and that the minor had more responsibilities than she should.

Connors also allegedly admitted that it was her own responsibility.

Shortly thereafter, Connors was arrested and charged with the Class D crimes. She was held on $1,000 cash bail and has been ordered to have no contact with the man or the minor.

If convicted of the two charges, Connors could face up to a year in jail. She has a probable cause court date set for Nov. 6.