Disturbing, deplorable findings in home

MERIDIAN -- A Meridian couple has been charged with felony injury to a child after police found three children in their home living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions that included animal feces and evidence of illegal drug use.

Rachel Anderton, 35, and Zane Garland, 39, have been booked into the Ada County Jail.

The home is located in the 1300 block of Darrah Drive near Ustick and Linder roads.

The three children, ages 12, 14, and 16, have been placed in state custody under the care of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Meridian Police Lt. Tracy Basterrechea say his officers received a tip about the condition of the home after parole officers checking up on Garland Wednesday found the deplorable living conditions.  When they arrived, the home smelled of feces, urine and marijuana.

He said that drug paraphernalia was found in every room, including the ones that the children lived in.  Also, there was almost no food in the home, which was in complete disarray. 

Anderton and Garland were arraigned in Boise this afternoon.

Anderton has a pending charge of distribution of alcohol to minors.  She has a minimal criminal history.  Her bond has been set at $75,000.

Garland has a more extensive criminal background.  He has been convicted of felony aggravated battery and three burglary convictions.  His bond was set at $100,000.

Neither Anderton nor Garland is allowed to have any communication with the children.