A Roanoke Rapids woman who allegedly locked her two children in a room with fecal matter on the floors and walls has been charged with two counts of child neglect.

“It was probably one of the worst child neglect cases they’ve seen,” Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek said, referring to the officers who investigated the case. “The conditions were egregious. The children were locked in their room unattended. There was fecal matter on the walls and floor.”

Lauren Sutherland remained in the Halifax County Jail this morning on $5,000 bond. The 20-year-old woman has an October 29 court date.

She was arrested Tuesday by detectives Jeff Baggett and Corey Dixon, along with Officer Mike Moseley.

Bondarek said it appears the alleged neglect has been going on for some time, probably longer than when officers were notified.

He said the two preschool aged children were not injured and are in custody of the county Department of Social Services.

He declined further comment.