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Warren County Grand Jury To Consider Case Against Absent Mom

Jackie Farah

The case against a Warren County mother accused of neglecting 19 children in her home is headed to a grand jury.  Jackie Farah was in court Monday morning and waived her right to a preliminary hearing.  Commonwealth's Attorney Chris Cohron says the case should go before a grand jury within the next 30 days.

"We're hopeful also that authorities will locate Irving Smith who is the father of some of these children.  There are charges outstanding for him also," says Cohron.

Farah and Smith shared a home on Kingston Way in Warren County.  The couple allegedly left the state for a week, leaving the children alone in the home with bugs and animal feces, and with no food or air conditioning.  The kids ranged in age from eight months to 14 years.  Last week, Warren County sheriff's deputies removed the children from the home and placed them in foster care.  The 32-year-old Farah returned home from Chicago last week and was charged with 14 counts of criminal abuse and five counts of wanton endangerment.  If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.  Smith is still believed to be in Chicago and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.