MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man charged with locking his six children in a storage unit was on trial for a third day on Wednesday, Jan. 14

Charles Dupriest testified in his own trial, sharing his love for his children while on the stand.

Dupriest, 33, is charged with eight counts of child neglect: five felonies and three misdemeanors. He also faces a felony for possessing a firearm.

Charles Dupriest CBS 58

On the stand, Dupriest said his family fell on hard times when their lease expired and had to stay with family members multiple nights a week. He said finding stable housing was his family's primary concern at the time they were living inside the storage unit at the StorSafe near 27th and Silver Spring.

When police found them in the early morning hours of Sept. 16, his six children -- ages 2 months, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 -- were locked in the storage unit while Dupriest and the mother of the children were sleeping in a car with their dog.

Dupriest said his family didn't enjoy the situation they were in but doesn't believe he was neglecting his children.

"I believe I was doing everything within my ability to make sure they didn't have to sleep outside or in the truck with a broken back window at night, exposed to the elements," Dupriest said.

Wednesday morning, the prosecution rested its case after calling up its final witnesses.

Prosecutors argue this family had other options besides living in the storage unit. Doctors, police officers, and area housing directors were just some of the witnesses who testified.

Witnesses said the mother of the children didn't respond to efforts to help their family find housing. 

Closing arguments are expected Wednesday afternoon.