N.J. parents accused of starving sons

COLLINWOOD, N.J., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- New Jersey parents Vanessa and Raymond Jackson were charged Monday with aggravated assault and child endangerment for starving their children.

The BBC said the four adopted sons, aged nine to 19, were found severely malnourished after the oldest was seen by neighbors searching for food in a garbage can in the middle of the night. Investigators said the boys were so emaciated it was initially impossible to estimate their ages.

New Jersey's social services department is being criticized for not finding the boys earlier, despite the fact a caseworker visited the house in Collingswood, N.J., nearly 40 times during the past two years.

The boys are reportedly suffering from stunted growth, distended bellies and rotten teeth. The 19-year-old is only four feet tall and weighs about 40 pounds.

Investigators said the children were given only uncooked pancake mix, cereal and peanut butter to eat. The children said they supplemented their rations with chips of paint and wall insulation.

The BBC said the Jacksons also have two adoptive daughters, aged five and 12, and were in the process of adopting another 10-year-old girl. All of the girls are apparently well fed and healthy.