Polk County couple charged with child neglect

HUMANSVILLE, Mo. — A Polk County couple has been charged with felonies after a report of child endangerment on Tuesday, July 15.

According to online court documents, Thomas and Kenda Richardson, of Humansville, have been charged with abuse or neglect of a child.

The probable cause says that a Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) deputy responded to a call reporting juveniles abusing animals. The deputy arrived and noticed that trash and debris were piled on the porch. The deputy left and provided the information to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

Deputies later arrived back at the residence due to a report of child endangerment.

Law enforcement reviewed the home and found animal feces from dogs, cats and mice on the floor. Deputies also found trash and debris all across the home and discovered that no running water had been available for some amount of time.

The deputies found three juveniles in the home who were dirty from head to toe with various bites and scratches. Deputies reported hearing verbal abuse towards the juveniles from both Thomas and Kenda on the scene.

The juveniles were removed from the scene and transported to Cox Health for treatment.

Deputies interviewed both suspects at the PCSO in separate interviews.

Thomas told law enforcement that their well pump had been out since at least June 25, and they had taken the juveniles to a hotel to bathe. He declined to speak more after not providing a date or receipt of the visit.

Kenda told deputies that they had taken the juveniles to a friend's house to be bathed, but could not remember the name of the friend. She later said that the juveniles have had behavioral problems and blamed them for the conditions inside the home.

An initial appearance has been scheduled for the couple on Sept. 17, 2025.