A father has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for strangling one of his children, who were all found living with rotting garbage, animal feces and no food in Wonder Lake.
Jason Lamb, 40, of Wonder Lake, was charged in November 2020 with several counts of child endangerment, aggravated battery of a child, aggravated domestic battery, reckless conduct and domestic battery.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said they responded around 1:30 p.m. October 30, 2020, to a residence in the 7800 block of East Maplewood Drive in Wonder Lake for a well-being check.
The investigation began when a concerned citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, notified the sheriff’s office.
Deputies observed a large amount of rotting garbage outside the residence and made contact with Jason and Jennifer Lamb, who both appeared intoxicated.
Deputies observed the inside of the house was covered in rotting garbage, debris and animal feces, and there was no food in the pantry.
Two firearms were located in areas accessible to the children, according to the sheriff’s office, which said that the guns were taken for safekeeping.
Investigators also learned that Jason Lamb strangled a 6-year-old child.
The children were removed from the residence by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and were placed with a family member.
The children were ages 4, 6, 8, and 10 at the time.
Jason Lamb was arrested and held on a $50,000 bond. He was released after posting 10% of his bond.
An arrest warrant was issued for Jennifer Lamb, 39, also charging her with several counts of child endangerment and reckless conduct.
Court records show Jason Lamb entered into a negotiated plea deal with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
Lamb pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. His other charges were dismissed as part of the plea.
McHenry County Judge James Cowlin approved the plea and sentenced Lamb to 90 days in the county jail. An additional 90-day sentence was stayed.
Lamb will also be required to take parenting classes and be on probation for two years.
Jennifer Lamb in September 2021 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child endangerment and was sentenced to one year of supervision, court records show.