Dad vows to clean up filthy house

A father said he is working to clean up his home after police removed his children from the unsanitary conditions inside.

Authorities became aware of the conditions inside Steven Glotfelter’s home on Hudson Avenue in Dayton when his mother recently died there.

Investigators determined that she died of natural causes, but said the messy condition of the home was unsuitable for his daughters, ages 14 and 9. A child endangering investigation has begun, although Glotfelter has not been charged with a crime.

A Dayton police report describes a pungent smell of spoiled food in the kitchen and one room that was “So rank the door had to be kept shut.”

Glotfelter told News Center 7 on Thursday that he is aware the mess is his fault and he is trying to get it cleaned up so that his daughters can come back.

“Between me taking care of my mom and them… it’s just that it gets overwhelming,” he said. “It’s not something I’m proud of.”

He said he loves his kids and is working to get the place in shape by next week. Meantime, his daughters are staying with their mother.