A couple in Woodstock is facing serious charges after their five children were found in deplorable conditions in their home. Jeremy D. Ruffin Sr., 35, and Erica L. Bell, 34, are accused of neglecting the children, some of whom were found in soiled diapers in a gated-off area of their home.
Ruffin Sr. was arrested on Thursday after failing to appear in court following an earlier charge this summer, which included five counts of child endangerment. Bell has also been charged with abuse or neglect by a caregiver, reckless conduct causing great bodily harm, obstructing justice, and five counts of child endangerment.
According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, Ruffin Sr. and Bell endangered the lives of their children, who were aged 3, 4, 5, 11, and 14, during August and September of 2022. Officers discovered the home, located in the 1200 block of Walden Oaks Drive in Woodstock, to be in a state of disarray, with stale food left out and an overwhelming odor throughout the living spaces. Garbage and household items cluttered the rooms, creating unsanitary conditions.
The children were reportedly confined to the second floor, which had been gated off with a dog gate and bungee cord. Some of the children were found to be in soiled diapers and were left unsupervised. The second floor also had holes in the floor, caused by an uncovered vent system.
Bell is also accused of attempting to obstruct law enforcement during a September 2022 visit by falsely claiming that her 14-year-old son, who has a disability, had been kidnapped. According to the indictment, Bell lied to a police officer, stating the child had broken his leg that month and was living in Alabama. In reality, the child had broken his leg two years prior and was residing with Bell in Woodstock.
Further investigations revealed that Bell failed to take the child to doctor’s appointments and physical therapy after surgery, resulting in great bodily harm to the child’s leg. This occurred between July 2021 and September 2022.
Both Ruffin Sr. and Bell now face multiple charges and are being held accountable for their actions regarding the well-being of their children.