A Linton woman faces felony neglect charges after authorities say a welfare check led to the discovery of two young children living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed Oct. 14 in Greene Superior Court, Rebecca Jenkins is charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, each a Level 6 Felony. The investigation began Sept. 10, when the Greene County Sheriff’s Department received a request for a welfare check on two children after concerns were raised about their health and living environment.

Deputy James Carpenter responded to Jenkins’ apartment in Linton. In the report, Carpenter stated that Jenkins appeared hesitant to allow entry into the home, claiming her children were ill and asleep. After repeated requests, she briefly brought one child to the doorway wrapped in a blanket. The deputy noted that the child appeared tired but did not observe visible injuries from that distance.

The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) soon became involved in the case. Later that day, caseworkers located the children and determined that conditions at the residence were unsafe. According to court documents, photos and video evidence showed numerous animals inside the apartment, feces on the floor, and heavy clutter throughout the living areas.

Investigators reported that the children had strong pet odors and visible rashes, sores, and bug bites. Both were evaluated at Greene County General Hospital, where medical staff determined that the conditions were consistent with poor hygiene and prolonged exposure to an unsanitary environment.

A babysitter interviewed by investigators described the apartment as “unlivable” and said she had observed the children arriving without having eaten recently. DCS officials later took the children into protective custody.

Jenkins was arrested on Oct. 21 and transported to Greene County Jail. Her bond was set at $8,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. She is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on Oct. 23.