15 children found living in 'deplorable' conditions in two‑bedroom Marietta apartment; three adults arrested

# What happened

Marietta, Georgia, police responded to a welfare check at a two‑bedroom apartment after reports that two children lived there. Officers could not initially make contact with an adult and obtained a search warrant. About three hours after officers arrived, three adults identified themselves as the biological parents and entered the building.

Once inside under the warrant, officers found 18 people living in the two‑bedroom apartment: three adults and 15 children between the ages of 1 and 17. Police described the living conditions as "deplorable."

# Conditions found

Warrant paperwork and reporting list specific problems inside the unit:

• Mold was present in several locations, including a bedroom.
• There were only nine beds for 18 occupants.
• Documents state there was not enough food to keep the children fed.
• The warrant notes there were no signs of toilet paper in the apartment.

Department of Family Services staff gathered the 15 children and moved them into safe environments after the discovery.

# Arrests and charges

Derrick Jackson faces an additional charge related to allegedly crossing a guard line. According to the warrant, marijuana was found on him after he entered the Cobb County Sheriff's Office jail concealed in his rectum.

The adults were transported to the Marietta Police Department for interviews prior to formal charging procedures.

# Immediate outcome for the children

# What the reporting shows and does not show

# Why this matters

The case raises questions about how multiple children came to be living in tight, unsanitary conditions and how welfare checks are initiated and followed through. The immediate action moved the children into protective custody and resulted in criminal charges for the adults on site.

# Next steps likely to follow

Officials will process formal charges and continue investigations that could address care, neglect and any broader patterns affecting the family. Child welfare agencies will determine appropriate placements and services for the children going forward.

# Bottom line

A welfare check in Marietta uncovered 15 children living with three adults in a two‑bedroom apartment described as "deplorable," with mold, limited sleeping arrangements, insufficient food and a lack of basic hygiene supplies. Three adults were arrested on child cruelty and misdemeanor drug charges, and child welfare staff removed the children to safety.