A Johnson City couple charged last year in a child abuse that involved their children living in what police called “deplorable” conditions failed to appear in a Washington County courtroom Monday for a hearing.

Ronnie L. McCall, 60, and Connie Gentry McCall, 40, who were living at Heritage Mobile Home Park, 2701 S. Roan St., were arrested and charged with felony child abuse and neglect July 18 after police received a call to check on a child’s welfare at their residence.

The McCalls, each free on $30,000 bond, were scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Sessions Court on Monday afternoon, but failed to appear. Judge Don Arnold issued capiases for their arrests and bound the cases over to a grand jury in their absence.

Police assisted Child Protective Services on the call last year and found three children lived at the residence, but one child, age 6, had been taken by her parents to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment that had been recommended by CPS.

After being examined, the child was found to have many environmental neglect issues, including ringworm, flea bites and severe head and body lice. The report also said numerous teeth had turned black with decay. The child’s bottom teeth had decay to the point of complete gum exposure, the document said.

There was no information released about the other children in the home. The affidavit said officers found “deplorable” living conditions at the residence, and photographs were taken for evidence.

Once arrested on the capiases, the McCalls will be held without bond until a Criminal Court judge holds a hearing.