MILWAUKEE — The parents of six children found locked inside a storage unit on Milwaukee's north side have been charged with child neglect, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday.
Charles Dupriest and Azyia Zielinski were each charged with six counts of child neglect after their children, ranging in age from 2 months to 9 years, were allegedly discovered in deplorable living conditions early Tuesday morning.
Watch: Parents charged after six children found locked in storage unit:
Dupriest was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors say Milwaukee police were dispatched to the StorSafe facility at 27th Street and Silver Spring Drive at 1:36 a.m. Sept. 16, after receiving a report of a crying child locked inside the unit.
According to the complaint, Dupriest and Zielinski were found sleeping in a black SUV in the storage facility parking lot with their dog. Prosecutors allege that both appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and were slow to wake up and respond to questions.
When questioned, prosecutors allege that the pair admitted to sleeping in the car while their children were locked inside the unit. They also told officers that they were homeless, but allegedly admitted that the children could have stayed with family members instead of the storage unit.
Zielinski allegedly told officers that the children had been sleeping in the unit for about one and a half months and that the family had been kicked out of Joy House in July after she gave birth.
Deplorable living conditions described
Prosecutors detailed the horrific alleged living conditions inside the storage unit in the complaint, citing that there was no electricity, running water, or proper lighting, with the only illumination coming from cellphone flashlights.
They also described the room as very hot, with a putrid smell so overwhelming that detectives couldn't remain inside even with the door open.
Prosecutors also allege that the children used a bucket for urination and defecation and had no access to bathing facilities. They allege that the children slept on blankets on the concrete floor with no proper bedding or furniture.
According to the complaint, prosecutors say the family receives about $2,000 monthly in Social Security benefits and alleged that the parents chose the storage unit arrangement despite having alternatives.
Storage facility allegedly aware of situation
Prosecutors allege that the facility was aware of people living in the unit before police discovery and that the management issued an eviction notice to the family after employees reported concerns back in May.
According to the complaint, during the arrest, officers found a loaded firearm in the center console of the SUV, which, prosecutors say, belongs to Dupriest. Zielinski allegedly stated that the gun belonged to her, but that both of their DNA would have been on the weapon.
A background check allegedly revealed that Charles had a prior felony conviction for sexual assault in Ozaukee County.
Both are expected to make initial court appearances on Friday, according to court records.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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