LIBERTY — A Liberty couple faces four charges each of unlawful conduct toward a child after they were found living with their four children in an unclean home with no running water.
On Monday, deputies arrested Alishia Nichol Edwards, 29, and Barry Dean Edwards, II, 29, of 1674 Greenville Highway in Liberty.
The two are accused of placing their four children, ages 1, 3, 5 and 6, at unreasonable risk of harm by allowing them to live in an unsafe, unhealthy and unsanitary environment.
The family has been without running water since October 2011, according to officers. Officers found a rusted machete blade missing its handle in the floor of the home, and nails were also scattered throughout the home. Deputies also said the home was littered with household and other garbage, feces was discovered in the toilet and there were numerous other health and safety issues.
The two youngest children also tested positive for methamphetamines.
The children were taken into emergency protective custody and are currently in the custody of the Department of Social Services. Both parents are currently being held at the Pickens County Detention Center on $20,000 surety bonds.