FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Several adults living at a group home in Fort Bend County were removed Friday due to "deplorable conditions," according to the fire marshal's office.
When the operator of the home in the Townewest subdivision showed up at the scene, she was arrested, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office said. The sheriff's office said Samatha Renee Morris, 51, was charged with operating a boarding house without a permit.
A FBCSO deputy went to the home on New Village Lane near West Bellfort after someone complained about an aggressive dog running loose.
"This morning, my kids were not able to go to the bus stop because of that German shepherd, so at 6 a.m., I called 911," the neighbor said.
Investigators said an adult came out of the home who appeared to need medical attention. The deputy then discovered eight other adults living in the group home "with obvious signs of neglect and possible injuries," FBCSO said.
Five were taken by ambulance to medical facilities. The others were turned over to family members.
"The operation of a group home without a permit is not just a violation of the law; it's a betrayal of trust, neglecting the well-being of residents who deserve safety, care, and dignity," Sheriff Eric Fagan said. "We will ensure that those responsible face the consequences for compromising the welfare of vulnerable individuals."
Morris' son said his mother has a big heart and truly cared for the people who lived in the home.
A neighbor said there were always a bunch of people living in the home and he's had some issues with them. He said one resident came to his home around 4 a.m. one morning and pounded on his door, acting "crazy."
"He was knocking and knocking at my door, and I told him 'What do you want? What do you want? Go to your house,'" the neighbor told us. "He said 'They want to kill me, they want to kill me.'"
Morris' arrest came as a surprise to the parents of Justin McClure, who's been living at the house for the last few months.
"He was receiving mental health treatment, medical treatment from West Park Springs Treatment a couple of months ago. They said, 'Well, we know of some group homes that we can recommend and make arrangements for,' which is what they did," Geraldine McClure said.
They said they were under the impression that his needs would be tended to with the fee that they were charged -- $1,100 a month.
They said they paid Morris via Zelle.
FBCSO and the fire marshal's office are working together on the ongoing investigation.