Mother Of Four Busted On Abuse Charges
Mother Of Four Busted On Abuse Charges Save Email Print
Posted: 6:05 PM Aug 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:44 PM Aug 20, 2008
 Reporter: Phil Pendleton
Email Address: phil.pendleton@wkyt.com
31 comments
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Neighbors say there's been a problem building at 123 Aqua Trial in Somerset for quite some time.

“We've all been complaining about it for awhile,” said Joe Burnett.

The problem, police say, was garbage, clothes and even animal waste in every room. And police say Lisa Denny is now in jail because her 4 children were forced to live in it.

“Kids were always running around all over the place. Not really being watched whatsoever,” said Burnett.

“This was just a case where the mother refused to put the effort to take care of a residence to keep it clean enough to let her children live and sleep and eat in a home,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Todd Wood.

Police say their investigation got on the fast track when school officials called them saying there were some children coming to school hungry.

A home visit from the school turned into a call to police and officers on the scene say they couldn't believe humans could live in such a place.

“Odor in the house. Every room you had to step over something in the process of stepping over some items, you had to avoid stepping over a plate of food or left over food,” said Sheriff Wood.

Neighbors say Denny's four children were constantly put in harm's way.

“They’d be running up the road, cars zipping in and out of here, all the time. Nobody is watching them,” said Burnett.

The children, ages 4 to 14, are now in state custody and Lisa Denny is in jail charged with criminal abuse second degree

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Posted by: a mother also Location: kentucky on Aug 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Yes, the good thing is they took the kids, but keep your eye on this story and watch them smack her on the wrist and tell her not to do it again and watch the kids be returned to her. I believe Social Services does there jobs to the best they are ALLOWED to do...but some other agency goes and puts the kids right back in the home. I am interested in seeing this case through.
Posted by: bee ky on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:59 AM
they are no excuse for this mess ,daddy ,mommy and kids need to be made to clean it up and get on with life ,,the gov.givestoo much ,make ppl.earm thier way
Posted by: Anonymous Location: SE KY on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:41 AM
She will get out of jail and social services will help her get her house clean and "Poof" the kids are back in her custody. It takes more than a clean house to raise children. If she doesn't care enough about the children to tidy the house up for them then I'm sure she is not loving and providing for them any other ways. These children need to be evaluated and placed in a loving, caring, clean home.
Posted by: K Location: Ky on Aug 23, 2008 at 05:13 PM
This is our welfare system at it's best. What does everyone expect...we teach them to expect handouts, that everyone else (tax-payers) will take care of them, and that they are a victim. What is a shame is that these people continue to have kids...imagine our nation in 20 years. The working class cannot afford to have kids, but the welfare recipients can have as many as they want at our expense. It is a cycle....they grow up on welfare and when they get older they have no desire to get off welfare. This nation will be broke......IF YOU DO NOT WORK, YOU DO NOT EAT!!!!! That is what it is giong to come to.
Posted by: Angy Location: KY on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Omg, they actually DID something and it was BEFORE someone nearly died??? Wow, way to go, social services! They're certainly improving from this time last year when the baby wipe case kid nearly died before someone FINALLY took him from his mother.
Posted by: mom of 4 Location: ky on Aug 22, 2008 at 09:42 AM
i raised 4 kids myself(boys) at that and i worked a full time job and i only got 4 hrs of sleep b/cause by the time i cleaned house cooked and took care of my kids there was no time for anything else. my kids are grown and they turned out great.lets all pray for this family!!!
Posted by: j on Aug 22, 2008 at 09:34 AM
There is a diffrence is an untidy house and a filthy one. It has hard to keep my home totally immaculate with 3 children running around but, I do my best to keep it as close to spotless as I can. Kids deserve a clean home and food and a parents attention. If you're not willing to provide that for them, then let someone who wants them take over. Kids are a blessing and should be treated as such.
Posted by: Zack Location: Lexington on Aug 22, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Domestic Violence,Poverty,and ect... Does not give a reason for this kind of stuff this is a way to try to get out of the trouble. If all of this was her problem then why didn't she seek help? I have no use for a parnet likke this
Posted by: Mother of 3 Location: Eastern KY on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:39 PM
I have seen cases like this in other parts of the world besides KY! I was once a single mother going to school and working, while also taking car of a child alone. My house wasn't filthy but it also wasn't spotless. It was hard but for the sake of my child I didn't let him live in a mess! His health and welfare was far more important to me! What would it have taken for this family to put trash in a bag or even a can and burn what u could? Its not the best way to dispose of trash but its a better option than leaving it for children to live in. I pray for the whole family children and mother and father.
Posted by: Mammy Location: London on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:24 PM
What a shame. This mess. I'm so glad they got the kids out of this situation. I only wish people could and would do more to help other children who are living like this every single day. There are so many of them it's absolutely maddening. I wonder if the parents to these little ones are drug addicts.
Posted by: Suzanne Location: To Thinking Too Much on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
So if I understand you correctly, because she is a victim of abuse it is okay that she lives in filth, her children live in filth, and they don't have enough to eat or if they do, the mother doesn't have sense enough to feed them? Also, how do you teach a 4 year old how to be self sufficient? I pay plenty in taxes for programs to help these people and their unending number of children. Has anyone heard of BIRTH CONTROL! If she is so overwhelmed, why have so many children?
Posted by: Renea Location: Whitley on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I just wonder if they are on drugs? It seems like everyone in this state is on drugs now days. I hate drugs. They sure can make people change into something that isn't nice or good anymore. Our prayers for this family.
Posted by: Sharon Location: Ky. on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Here is another one of those stories that we are so use to seeing.I don't know the whole story, but where is the father. She didn't make these kids herself. Get both of them. The father shouldn't be allowed to donate his sperm and not know what is going on in his kids life's. He probably doesn't care. He needs to be held accountable also.
Posted by: a mom Location: to THINKING too much on Aug 21, 2008 at 09:13 AM
If she was a "victim" and cared about her children, she should have gotten OUT! There are always social service programs that would help her, and I would be danged if I would live in a house that is nasty AND abusive with my daughter, I love her too much to let that happen. This mother was only a victim if she allowed herself to be!
Posted by: Thinking too much Location: Somerset on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Shay the teacher....... For your information this mother did cook for her kids but they would throw it back at her. If you are such a good teacher then I know that you much have some knowledge of being the victim of abuse and neglect and the cycle of poverty. Even you who does not know this mother has called her stupid and lazy, I wonder if you ever told your student's that when you were a teacher.. If is that kind of thinking that creates a person who thinks that they are not worthy of any kind of help. This is a sad situaiton, but it is even sadder when you have those who know nothing except what the media wahts you to know and you past such harst judgement against this mother. And oh yes, she did have a full time job until her husband's violent tendencies got her fired.... Maybe the school system whould get back to teaching kids how to be more self sufficent instead of teaching them only how to use a computer for everything. Again SHE is a VICTIM as well......................
Posted by: thinking too much Location: Somerset on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:44 AM
First of all everyone needs to know the whole truth about this situation before they jump to conclusions. This mother is a victim herself. A vicitm of domestic violence, a vicitm of poverty, a vicitm of many different types. If anyone out there could have done any better then she did with all that she was dealing with then they should set up classes (FREE) to those how need to be shown how to live. Unless you are in this world and have NO support system and just taking a breath is a big thing then you don't know what this mother was put through. Yes, I agree that the home was dangerous, but these kids were 14 and under: Why in the world did the kids not healp their mother it is not like they were unable to help. They wouldn't help because they knew they didn't have to they would tell mom that she was stupid, a fat cow and that if she tried to make them mind they would call social services or tell the school who would call social services.. I say she is the true VICTIM............
Posted by: concerned neighbor Location: Somerset on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:40 AM
What about the father. He is just as guilty. He has allowed his family to live like this for years. Although he has been "legally separated" from them for about a month, he has still been over there every day. He should share in the responsibility.
Posted by: Ryan Location: Corbin on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:21 AM
This seems to being going on in a lot of places. The Welfare system at it's best. Have four kids, live off my tax money, treat them like trash and expect handouts because you are to darn lazy to work. For that matter clean! I mean this people, if we don't reform the welfare system to eliminate abuse of the system we all are going to be in trouble.
Posted by: shay Location: eastern ky on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:05 AM
As a mother and former Head Start teacher, Ican understand how a mother with several children can be overwhelmed. BUT, this is uncalled for!! If she was overwhelmed, she could get the children to help with chores even a 4 year old can set a table! This just shows her laziness and stupidity! As for the children coming to school hungry, I saw the extra news footage showing pictures of inside the fridg there was food! She was probaly too lazy to fix any! But she doesent look like she has missed any meals! SHE SHOULD GET PARENTING CLASSES! NASTY, NASTY!!
Posted by: LJJ Location: Lexington on Aug 21, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Has anyone drove done Dayton Ave?? Hartland?!
Posted by: Anon Location: Woodford Co. on Aug 21, 2008 at 07:02 AM
This story brought tears to my eyes. Those poor children. Having to live like that and going to school hungry. I hope that poor excuse they call a mother stays in jail and never gets her kids back. They would be better off with out her! Hopefully there is a loving family member that would be willing to take these children in so they won't have to be split up into diff. foster homes. Those poor poor children.
Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:56 AM
Was this the "fattening-hog" that Otis the bull man had for trade? Oink!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 04:51 AM
i think she got what she deseverd
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:58 AM
THIS STORY IS REALLY SHOCKING....HOW COULD A MOTHER LET HER KIDS LIVE LIKE THAT?????
Posted by: loving parent Location: east ky on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Anyone that lives like this should be able to do so, but alone. She should have pulled herself together and been a decent mother. Live isn't always a bed of roses but make the best of what ya got. Do the children a favor and move along leaving them behind and maybe there can be a chance for the children.
Posted by: LJ Location: Harlan on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:22 AM
This is nasty but I have seen worse. Much worse. The saddest part is that in the case I had to testify in the woman got to keep her three kids in the filth with no repercussions. I guess it just depends on where you live and who you hire to represent you.
Posted by: doyle Location: somerset on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I hope you will look into the real story and cause lisa denney to receive some help. she seems to have been abused and left with no help by a sorry husband. look into her recent epo against the husband. try being a mother of 4 without education or skills and suddenly no husband to provide. with her water disconnected it would have been difficult to keep going too well. thx
Posted by: Concerned Neighbor Location: London, KY on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I know of childern living in worse filth in Laurel County. Social Services have been to the residence on several occassions, but yet the children are left in the mess. They appear to be school age, but apparently aren't being sent to school. IF anyone can do anything to help these kids they live in a green and white trailer on Bert Allen Road.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: same subdivision on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:54 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all four of the children! It is a shame to see first hand what the living conditions for the children have been. Most of all, I would like to know why the father was not charged for neglect also? He had just recently be told to leave the home, but was still in and out of there alot! He should be just as much responsible for HIS children as Lisa... I have seen first hand what has been said and done and know that when children are involved, BOTH parents should be held accountable! I just hope that the children are put with a loving and caring family that can so them the love and support that they deserve. For anyone that reads this message please pray for ALL parties involved and know that being blessed with a child is a gift and something people should take GREAT pride in! I find comfort in knowing at least for the time being the children are safe, healthly, and are FINALLY being taken care of!
Posted by: Cathy Location: Somerset on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:39 PM
My prayers are with the children hopefully they all got to stay together instead of being seperated.
Posted by: Concerned Neighbor Location: Augusta Court on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I live near the Denny's and I would like to say that the law has been called to this residence on numerous occations and they have known for a long time about the conditions that they seem to have JUST discovered. The law is called to that house almost every week and sometimes 2 or 3 times in one day,usually for noise or fighting, however, a few months ago, the law had to come and serve papers because of the trash that was piled outside along the house. The garbage was piled as high as the house and the car they owned was STUFFED (front, back and truck)full of garbage, including dirty diapers. It was(is) a health hazard. When the law gave them a few days to clean it up or else, the children of the house were seen by various neighbors pulling trash from the car and from the yard to clean it up while the parents were no where to be seen. Several of us have been concerned about the situation in that home for a LONG time and I am glad that someone is finally stepping in for the kid's sake.
Posted by: Joey on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I know it can happen anywhere but stories like these that come out of Kentucky always seem to make national headlines too. You wonder why the stereotypical view never goes away.
Posted by: Nixon on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:26 PM
way to go state SSI and Medicaid system for allowing these situations to be possible. Put her to work, make her work. the answer is in the word "WORK"
Posted by: Brandi Location: PoCo on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:23 PM
This is just absolutely disgusting!! It's sad to see that people just don't care about their children.
Posted by: a mom Location: Central KY on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Again, not much good news ever comes out of Pulaski County. Sorry, but it's true. This mom, like the mom last week with the little boy in a nasty trailer, should NEVER get their kids back, but I am sure they eventually will. Some people are lower than dirt, including these two moms.
Posted by: Mark Location: Richmond on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Sorryness, just plain sorryness on that mother's part. There isn't any excuse whatsoever to allow a home, particularly one with your children living in it, to become in such pitiful shape. She should be ashamed of herself! Animal waste?? Piled up garbage? Incredible, just...incredible.
Posted by: concerned neighbor Location: in the neighborhood on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I left a comment earlier, thought my e-mail address would appear after sending found out it would not be published. Ther is so much you all dont know
Posted by: Concerned neighbor Location: down the street on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:06 PM
What about the father that has the E.P.O. that has been in the home since E.P.O.was issued. He knew the conditions. He needs to be charged also. I cant beleive this. It has to be the worse I have seen. She looks pretty healthy what happened to the children. Looks to me she has been eating real well. Again what about the children and how could somone let there home get in this shape. This breaks my heart as a neighbor how did I not know it was this bad
Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Nice bruise on her eye in the jail photo. If she abused those children, I certainly hope that she "fell" down several times on the way to jail.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Same area on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I live in the neighborhood of these children. This is not all the mother's fault.. The father needs to be investigated too. For some reason he hasn't been allowed to live with the family for some time!!! These precious little children are victims of "both" their parents abuse & neglect. Don't blame it all on the mother!!! I pray the children find a loving home for them & someone who will teach them good morals & a christian surrounding. The boy, Austin, spent a lot of time at our home. He is a very troubled child. I think he needs special care. He has a lot of anger in him. Although, when he is at our home, he is a good child. They are just victims in this situation. May God have mercy on the parents for putting their children in this situation.
Posted by: Jenny Location: Berea on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:26 PM
This is the most disgusting sight I've ever witnessed. Take this lazy woman to China or another foreign country and force her to work in a sweatshop at least 16 hours a day. Deprive her of food and clean drinking water and luxuries most of us take for granted. Those poor precious children deserve so much better. It is a such a shame that so many people I know want children and are unable to have them. Then this women has them like a brood sow. My husband and I have worked all our life and do not have as nice a place as it looked like she was wallowing in. But, anybody can try to keep a place clean. Its called pride. I notice she had 2 TV's in her living room, thats real important! Bet she has a cell phone too! I am so thankful for school employees that take notice of children needing help and do something about it. As a christian, I must pray for her. But, I also pray that those children are taken away and that someone will love them and give them the care they deserve.
Posted by: Annie Location: Morehead on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Another story about a mother not taking care of her children. This is the second story of a child/children living in animal waste and garbage. At one time the US was considered a leader among countries - now we are becoming a country of slackers.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: KY on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Wow, what a surprise. As I've said before, this happens all the time. Social Services gets called and NOTHING is done. Children live in filth, are exposed to filth, and social services checks on them a couple of times and forgets them. It is our social service system that ignores pleas from the public. They only do something when the media gets involved. Often it is already too late.
Posted by: Pam Location: Michigan on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:43 PM
I swear...women like you ! you make a bad name on such a beautiful state. I have never known a woman to neglect her house that is a southern woman...let alone her children!!! You should be lefted in a room full of magets...cause thats exactly what I consider you!!! God bless them young ones who had to live like this. I hope and pray they get to enjoy their life's like a child should and she never gets them back!!!! Sincerly....... Pam Harris
Posted by: Sami Location: Eastern, KY on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:07 PM
This is so horrible. How could anyone live in filth like this. I am a 22 year old mother and I am not wealthy, to say the least. I know how hard it is to raise a child, but through everything that I endure each day I make sure that my home is clean, my child is clean and that he has ate and been bathed. Regardless of age and your financial state, their is no excuse to be nasty!
Posted by: Heather Location: Somerset on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:01 PM
This is absolutely ridiculous!! What kind of mother would let her children live like this! These poor children are suffering because of a lazy, good for nothing parent. You have to have a license to drive a car, they should require you to have a license to have kids!!! Pathetic!!!
Posted by: christina Location: corbin on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:38 PM
WHERE IS THE FATHER? BLASS THE CHILDREN MY OUR PRAYERS BE WITH THEM!!
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:36 PM
This is awful. I am in no way taking up for this woman, but if everybody that lived that way and didn't take care of their kids were put in jail, there wouldn't be enough jails to hold them all. I'd say most people know of people like that.
Posted by: private Location: ky on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:28 PM
OMG! I have never saw a house in this shape before. I have seen some nasty conditions but nothing like this! What was her problem? Stop being lazy and clean your house and take care of your kids!!!
Posted by: Mark on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:17 PM
My exwife lived like this for 3 years and my lawyers always said filth isnt an issue. I will not let it go again I will call the police and get my kids out. But yes people do live like this I have seen it, and still have the videos toprove it..
Posted by: Stephanie Location: Richmond on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I think that she should be charged to the fullest for child endangerment and go through parenting classes and not see her children till they are completed.
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