Couple admits child endangering

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A Struthers couple have pleaded guilty to one count of child endangering that accused them of failing to provide medical care or appropriate hygiene to their 14-year-old son.

Ronald E. Higham Jr., 39, and Bambi L. Shiley, 36, of Fifth Street, pleaded guilty to the third-degree felony Tuesday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Krichbaum revoked their bond and jailed them pending their sentencings, which will take place at 8:30 a.m. June 15 for Shiley and at 9 a.m. June 16 for Higham.

Higham and Shiley admitted endangering the boy May 26, 2015.

The boy suffered pain and wounds and burns to his buttocks and scrotum due to inadequate hygiene and care for his chronic diarrhea, according to the bill of particulars filed by the prosecution.

Jennifer L, McLaughlin, an assistant county prosecutor, is recommending a year in prison for Shiley, who has no prior criminal record, and 18 months in prison for Higham, who has pleaded guilty in a separate case to failing to register as a sex offender.

McLaughlin dropped two additional child-endangering counts against Higham and Shiley.

Police, who went to the couple’s home in May 2015, said they found deplorable conditions, including piles of dirty diapers and feces.

A pre-sentence investigation will be performed by the Community Corrections Association.

The couple pleaded guilty just before their scheduled jury trial, which had been set to begin this coming Monday.