Key facts
- Elizabeth Siders pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of child endangerment and neglect.
- Siders' bond was raised to $550,000.
- The children, aged 17 months to 18 years, were found in "deplorable conditions" in a 12ft-by-12ft room.
- Some children were unable to speak and did not attend school.
- Elizabeth Siders and Gary Siders Jr face separate charges of sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Gary Siders Jr pleaded not guilty in August.
Elizabeth Siders, 34, pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of child endangerment and neglect in Vinton County Court on Wednesday. She is accused of housing her 16 children, aged 17 months to 18 years, in "deplorable conditions" in a single 12ft-by-12ft room for much of the past four years. Authorities described the children as appearing "almost feral," with some unable to speak and none attending school.
Siders' bond was raised from $250,000 to $550,000 after the judge deemed her a flight risk. She and her husband, Gary Siders Jr, face separate indictments for sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, involving a relative between the ages of 13 and 16 who was in their care in 2022. Gary Siders Jr pleaded not guilty to these charges in August.
Siders' attorney, Tommy Stolly, argued for a competency evaluation, citing her history of near-constant pregnancy since marrying at 15, lack of postpartum care, and potential mental health issues. He suggested these factors could impact her ability to understand and make informed decisions, potentially negating legal liability. Gary Siders Sr, the husband's father, was found incompetent to stand trial, and competency evaluations are pending for Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Jr, and his mother, Christina Siders.