Dimitrios Kriaris, 35, of Trumbull St., was arrested Tuesday on charges of child endangerment and permitting drug abuse.

Neighbors called police around 4 p.m. and reported that the children, ages 3 years and 22 months, were being left unattended for a long period of time in the back yard of the home.

Further, they reported the children had become entangled in a dog chain that was attached to at least one of the children. The chain was anchored by a car tire in a shopping cart next to a porch.

Kriaris’ wife said, “We didn't do anything wrong and he didn't do anything wrong. And if I ever thought that my husband would do something like that, he wouldn't be around these children."

Investigators said they also confiscated several bottles of narcotics from the home, which they believe were packaged for re-sale.

Police said Kriaris had previous drug offense convictions in Illinois and was recently arrested on domestic violence charges in Bellaire.

Kriaris was taken to the Belmont County Jail. The children were left in the custody of their mother, per the recommendation of Belmont County Children’s Services.

"I’ve seen a lot, and of course you never want to see a child of any age abused or neglected,” the children’s mother said.

The case remains under investigation. Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: December 31, 2008: Children Found Chained Outside In Bellaire