Dad sought for child neglect

CLAREMORE, Okla. (AP) -- Neglect charges were filed Thursday against a man accused of not providing adequate care for his two young daughters who authorities found unbathed, caked with feces and smelling of urine.

Gene Steven Walker, 35, was charged with two counts of neglect by a caretaker in Rogers County District Court. He remained at large late Thursday.

A petition filed in the case said Walker failed to provide adequate clothing and medical supervision for 2- and 3-year-old daughters.

Authorities said they found Walker's 3-year-old daughter on Feb.

5, "filthy, with filthy clothing, feces caked on her, smelled of urine and with matted hair." Her 2-year-old sister was also found unbathed with filthy clothing.

"Pus was coming from a wound on her foot with a dirty bandage on it," authorities said. "She had a clump of hair missing, diaper rash, blood coming from her rectum, and cuts on her face and hands." Both children also had head lice.

An affidavit filed with the arrest warrant said a doctor who looked at the younger girl's foot told deputies he thought she "would lose her foot if not taken care of."

Authorities said an anonymous caller notified the Sheriff's Office of the girls' condition on Feb. 5. They were removed from the home the next day, she said. The children are in the custody of the Department of Human Services, living with foster parents.

Prosecutors said neglect by caretaker carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.