Prosecutors: Stolen property used to post bail by man accused of leaving 3 kids in filthy Lake Stevens home

LAKE STEVENS, Wash. -- The Lake Stevens couple charged with criminal mistreatment and abandonment of their three young children pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Mark Dorson posted bail in early February but prosecutors say a stolen telescope was used as collateral for bail money. So Dorson was taken into custody again after his arraignment.

Amanda Foley has remained in jail since their arrest on Jan. 30. She shed tears at her arraignment.

 



Video taken inside the house on Jan. 30 by detectives is startling -- shattered glass and animal feces everywhere.

The stench was so bad, detectives had to wear breathing masks for safety -- yet it was home to
Foley’s young children, ages 7 years, 3 years and 11 months.

Detectives found them home alone with no heat in the house. The two oldest kids huddled under a blanket.

Police had to kick down a locked door to rescue the 11-month-old baby abandoned in a crib next to a pile of dirty diapers.

According to court documents, the baby was severely hypothermic; another 24 hours alone and doctors say he could have died.

Detectives say the couple, when arrested, never once asked about the well-being of the children and Dorson told them the whole thing was blown out of proportion.

During an interview, Foley told investigators she asked a neighbor to watch the kids while she got food. When she came back home she saw police. She says she panicked and took off as her children were being loaded into an ambulance.

The Lake Stevens home sits condemned. On the wall scribbled in red appears to be a message to the kids. Prosecutors cannot confirm if Foley wrote it.

“I love you so much I am truly sorry you didn’t get the best of me you deserve the best I promise I am a good person.”

The couple’s next court appearance is in March.