Home’s Condition Spurs Child Abuse Allegation

A Thousand Oaks couple were jailed this week on suspicion of child abuse after deputies searched their home and found infestation by mice and rats, scattered fecal matter and exposed electrical wires.

Timothy Moreno Mendoza, 34, remained jailed Friday in lieu of $200,000 bail, and his wife, Valerie Lynn Mendoza, was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. They were arrested Wednesday at their home in the 1400 block of Fordham Avenue, authorities said.

Deputies began investigating the couple several weeks ago after receiving complaints that drugs were being sold at their home. Two men were subsequently arrested on drug-related charges connected to the home, but the Mendozas have not been charged with such crimes. The couple’s four children, between the ages of 3 and 12, were placed in protective custody.