20 kids, 25 dogs taken from dilapidated Victorville home; 5 women arrested

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- Twenty children and 25 dogs were removed from a Victorville home Thursday morning after authorities found the home to be uninhabitable.

Around 10:42 a.m., deputies with the Victorville station responded to a house in the 15800 block of Eto Camino Road to help the local Department of Children and Family Services remove kids from the house.

When authorities arrived, they found the home contained black mold, there was not enough food, no electricity or gas, inadequate sleeping conditions and that the dogs did not have any access to water.

The 20 children, who range in age from 2 months to 17 years old, were taken from the home. Authorities called animal services to also remove the 25 dogs, including two dead puppies, from the residence.

Neighbors said the home appeared to be on law enforcement's radar for some time. Last month, a 5-year-old girl from the home broke her left leg after she was struck by a car attempting to cross the street with her uncle.

"I thank God something finally came down and a solution to this problem on this corner has taken place. I'm sure everyone in this neighborhood is going to be happy, too," one neighbor said.

Five women, all from Victorville, were arrested and taken to the High Desert Detention Center. Authorities said the women were the children's grandmother and her four daughters.

Matosha Martinez, 35, and Virginia Mann, 61, were booked on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and child cruelty. Cherish Lewis, 22, Dajanet Smith, 25, and Thereca Griffin, 42, were booked on suspicion of child cruelty.

Neighbors also said in May code enforcement and Child Protective Services came and forced the residents to clean up the property.

Anyone with more information on the incident were asked to call the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 782-7463.