West Virginia Couple Arrested After Child Allegedly Found Living Among Feces, Vomit and Decomposing Trash

Upshur County, West Virginia — August 2026

A West Virginia couple has been arrested after authorities allegedly discovered a young child living inside a home filled with animal feces, human vomit, decomposing garbage and large numbers of flies, according to investigators.

The disturbing case unfolded in Upshur County after a concerned individual contacted authorities and provided deputies with video footage showing the conditions inside the residence.

According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and court records cited by local news station WDTV, Ciarra Lacey, 22, and Dakota McIe, 23, are facing charges of child neglect creating a risk of injury and cruelty to animals.

Investigation Began After Concerned Witness Provided Video

Authorities said the investigation began on August 5, 2026, when a concerned person provided deputies with video recorded inside Lacey and McIe’s residence.

The footage allegedly showed extremely unsanitary conditions throughout the home, where the couple was living with a child.

Investigators said the floor was covered with dog feces, including areas immediately next to the child’s bed and crib.

The witness reportedly described the condition of the residence as “repulsive” and said the smell inside the home was so overwhelming that it caused nausea.

The witness also reportedly told authorities that the residence did not have air conditioning and that part of the bathroom was unusable.

Deputies Obtain Search Warrant

After reviewing the video, deputies obtained a search warrant and entered the residence.

According to authorities, deputies observed conditions that matched what had been shown in the video.

Investigators reportedly found animal feces, human vomit, decomposing trash and flies throughout the home.

The kitchen was reportedly infested with flies, while piles of garbage and rotting material were found inside the residence.

Authorities said the conditions were particularly concerning because the child was living in the same environment.

Court records reportedly documented animal feces on the floor immediately adjacent to where the child slept.

Child Removed From Home

Once deputies discovered the conditions, Child Protective Services was contacted.

The child was subsequently removed from the residence, and a grandparent was able to take custody of the juvenile, according to authorities.

Officials have not publicly released the child’s name or other identifying information.

The child’s age and sex have also not been publicly disclosed in the reports currently available.

Three Dogs Also Found in Poor Conditions

The investigation was not limited to the conditions affecting the child.

Deputies also reportedly found three dogs confined inside pens.

According to authorities, the animals were standing and walking in accumulated urine, and investigators said there was no visible food or water for the animals.

Animal Control was called to the scene and seized the dogs.

The allegations involving the animals resulted in cruelty-to-animals charges against the couple.

Couple Faces Criminal Charges

Lacey and McIe were arrested following the investigation.

According to WDTV, Ciarra Lacey remains in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $30,000 cash-only bond.

Dakota McIe posted a $5,000 bond on August 11, 2026, and was released from custody.

Both defendants are facing allegations connected to the conditions authorities say they discovered inside the residence.

The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A Disturbing Discovery

The case has drawn attention because investigators say the child was living in close proximity to hazardous waste and animal feces.

Authorities’ allegations describe a residence where decomposing garbage, human vomit, animal waste and insect infestations were present while a child was living there.

The investigation also resulted in the removal of three dogs from the property.

The case remains part of the legal process, and additional information could become available as court proceedings continue.

For now, authorities have confirmed that the child has been removed from the home and placed with a grandparent, while the two adults accused in the case face criminal charges.

Source

This report is based primarily on reporting from WDTV, which cited the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and official criminal complaint documents, with additional details reported by The Independent.

Editor’s Note: The allegations described above are based on police reports and court records. The defendants have not been convicted, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.