Racine mother of 5 arrested for neglect after children found living in basement

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Monday, Dashja Turner, mother of five, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect after her children were found living in a basement.

“CPS called me. That was around the 1st that they called me, and they told me they found my son and his siblings in the basement," said Rickie Stevens, father of one of the five children.

Stevens said he hasn't seen his son in three years, alleging Turner would not allow contact between the two. Stevens said his heart broke when he heard about Turner's alleged neglect.

“I was messed up. Hurt. My son will never go through that again," said Stevens.

On July 31, around 3:34 p.m., Racine police and the Human Services Department (HSD) arrived at a home near Metron Court in regard to a welfare check of children living in a basement.

Racine police said personnel of HSD believed the children appeared malnourished and did not have proper living conditions. The children were taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

On July 31, Turner went to jail for a warrant. After a follow-up investigation, Turner was arrested on Aug. 7. 

Turner's bond is set to $250,000 and charges are pending.