State police allege several children were living in this residence at 48 Arch St., Newport Township, which was condemned due to uninhabitable conditions. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader
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WILKES-BARRE — An investigation into the death of a 6-month old girl found dead inside a Glen Lyon residence resulted in child endangerment charges being filed against the mother alleging she allowed several children to reside inside the home that was deemed unfit for human habitation.
Charlene June Riera, 39, was arraigned Thursday at Luzerne County Central Court on five counts of endangering the welfare of children. She was released on $25,000 unsecured bail by District Judge Ferris Peter Webby Sr.
State police initiated an investigation after Nora Riera, 6-months old, was found dead inside 48 Arch St. in Glen Lyon on Jan. 4.
An autopsy on the infant revealed she died from accidental asphyxiation due to mechanical compression, according to the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office.
Mechanical asphyxiation refers to some type of external pressure preventing breathing by compressing the lungs and diaphragm.
No charges have been filed related to the infant’s death.
Investigators learned there were five children residing in the residence that was condemned after an inspection by a Newport Township code enforcement officer. Several animals were removed from the house by the SPCA.
The five children were taken into protective custody.
According to the criminal complaint:
Investigators say they encountered filth throughout the house with food, clothing and garbage scattered on floors.
A large bird cage containing two parrots and a chicken was inside the house including an overturned litter box with feces on the floor of a second floor room.
A large number of garbage bags were found in the basement.
Multiple space heaters were found throughout the house, which did not have a permanent source of heat.
A refrigerator did not have any food to prepare meals for the children, and a baby crib was filled with clothing and empty soda boxes, the complaint says.
A second inspection of the house on Feb. 4 failed due to uncleanliness.