FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Nine people were rescued from a Fort Bend County group home Friday morning, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
The discovery was made after county units responded to a call at 6:45 a.m. for service regarding a loose aggressive dog, located in the 13700 block of New Village Lane.
A neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke with KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel. The neighbor said she called 911 Friday morning after the large aggressive dog from the home, charged her and barked at her. She also reported the dog the night before.
“They have a big german shepherd that is always out attacking us,” said the neighbor.
A responding deputy saw a woman, who was non-verbal, with fecal matter on her and appeared to be malnourished. The deputy further discovered that the location in question was a group home with patients locked inside.
Forced entry was made by Northeast firefighters where nine people were found inside and appeared to be malnourished. The victims were evaluated by Fort Bend County EMC and five people were taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The owner of the group home, Samatha Renee Morris, 51, later arrived at the scene and was taken into custody by a Fire Marshal Investigator. She was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail for operating a boarding house without a permit.
Neighbors say they’ve been reporting the home to police and the HOA for years. They’ve reported people at the home fighting in the street.
“I knew something was off next door because there was lots of heavy traffic. One of them would always ask me and my son for money and they would come up to my car for a dollar, two dollars there was a lot of suspicious activity, “ said the neighbor.
Another neighbor spoke to KPRC 2 in Spanish. She said people from the home have thrown items at her windows and asked for money.
Justin McClure lives in the home. He told KPRC 2 many of the residents struggle with mental illness or are recovering from drug addiction.
“I’m just mentally disabled. I’m staying here. I’m staying here for almost two months now, and I know when we get taken good care of over here, it’s just, managers over there. One of them took a little break for a day and just came over here.” said McClure.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, there have been two missing person cases reported at the group home.
In 2017, a 66-year-old man, with medical needs, was reported missing on Nov. 26.
In 2019, a 52-year-old woman was also reported as missing on June 7.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the operation of the group home without a permit and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation regarding the neglect and possible injuries to the group home residents.
“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” FBCO Sheriff Eric Fagan said. “We will ensure that those responsible face the consequences for compromising the welfare of vulnerable individuals.”