Hannibal Police Department Community Service Officers were conducting a follow up investigation on numerous Property Maintenance issues at a residence in the 900 block of Union St Tuesday morning. During the course of their investigation they requested Hannibal Police Officers respond to the residence due to a subject with multiple warrants, unsanitary living conditions and possible theft of utilities. When the officers arrived on scene they located William M Franklin (48 of Hannibal), Elsie V Lain (39 of Hannibal) and 4 juveniles living in the house under very unsanitary conditions. There were also 11 dogs inside the residence. The Division of Family Services were called to the scene for the children, as well as the Board of Public Works due to the theft of utilities. Lain, who at first gave officers a false name, was arrested on 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Tampering with Utilities, Felony Theft, Interfering with an Arrest, 11 counts of Animal Neglect and 5 outstanding municipal warrants. Franklin was arrested for 2 counts of Felony Theft and 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The four children were removed by Division of Family Services and placed with a family member. The 11 animals were taken to the NEMO Humane Shelter. Both Lain and Franklin were placed on 24 hour holds at the Marion County Jail. On Wednesday August 29th, warrants were issued by the 10th Judicial Circuit Court charging Elise Lain and William Franklin with 4 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating a Substantial Risk. Both Lain and Franklins’ bond was set at $50,000.00. Both remain in the Marion County Jail.
Contact: Lt. John Zerbonia
