Monroe County Couple Arrested After Children Found Living in Filthy, Dangerous Conditions

BECKER, MS – Two residents of the Becker community in Monroe County were arrested on July 31, 2025, after deputies discovered children living in squalid and hazardous conditions inside their home.

Daniel Matthew Hickman, 28, and Susan Ann Hickman, 35, were each charged with two counts of felony child deprivation and one count of abuse/neglect of a vulnerable person, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched to the residence off Highway 125 for a welfare check on an elderly individual. Upon entering the home, deputies found signs of young children and discovered a one-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl living amid roach infestations, filth, and animal feces. Officials described the home as unfit for habitation.

Child Protective Services was immediately contacted, and Monroe County investigators were called to the scene. Authorities also learned that a registered sex offender was residing in the home, further endangering the children.

Both Daniel and Susan Hickman were taken into custody at the scene, and each was given a bond of $100,000.

Sheriff Kevin Crook praised the person who reported the incident and commended the deputies and investigators for their quick and compassionate response.

“Most of all, I am proud that these children are out of harm’s way and being cared for by someone other than these two ‘parents,’” said Sheriff Crook.