**Parents Charged After Six Children Found Living in Filthy Storage Unit**
In a disturbing case from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a couple has been charged with child neglect after their six children, including a two-month-old baby, were discovered living in a filthy storage unit. The shocking revelation came to light when police responded to a report of a child crying from within the unit in the early hours of September 16.
Upon entering the storage facility, authorities were met with appalling conditions. The children, aged nine, seven, five, three, two, and a mere two months, were found in a space described by police as “putrid.” The unit contained minimal furnishings—a sectional couch, a mattress, and some blankets—while lacking basic amenities such as running water or electricity. A bucket was reportedly used as a toilet by the children.
The children had been living in these conditions for approximately six weeks, according to their parents. Charles Driest, 33, and Azia Zalinski, 26, were located sleeping in their vehicle parked outside the storage facility, with their dog. When questioned, the children revealed harrowing details about their situation. The nine-year-old took on the role of caretaker for his siblings, expressing feelings of hunger and sadness about their living conditions. Another child lamented that the dog was allowed to sleep in the car while they were locked inside the unit.
Both parents have been charged with six counts of child neglect, with Driest facing an additional charge of illegal possession of a firearm due to his felony record. He is a registered sex offender, which may have contributed to their difficulties in finding appropriate housing. Prosecutors revealed that the couple receives around $2,000 monthly in Social Security benefits, raising questions about how they ended up in such dire circumstances.
During a recent court appearance, Zalinski was visibly emotional, acknowledging her children’s claims of having no food and scavenging from garbage. The couple asserted they were homeless and claimed they had been kicked out of a Milwaukee shelter. However, the shelter’s representatives disputed this, stating they had arranged permanent housing for the family, which they did not utilize.
Legal experts suggest that the case may hinge on the parents’ intentions and the conditions under which the children were kept. The presence of a locked storage unit and the lack of adult supervision raise significant concerns about the children’s safety and well-being. The emotional and psychological impact on the children, particularly the youngest, adds complexity to the legal proceedings.
Child protective services have taken custody of the children, who are now in a safe environment. The future for these children remains uncertain, and the legal ramifications for Driest and Zalinski could lead to significant prison time if found guilty. In cases of child neglect, particularly involving young children, courts often impose severe penalties to reflect the seriousness of the offense.
As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain regarding the couple’s choices leading up to this tragic situation and what support systems might have been available to them. The case highlights the urgent need for societal solutions to homelessness and the protection of vulnerable children.
