A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to five years in prison following the harrowing discovery of his six young children living in a locked storage unit. The children, aged between just two months and nine years, were found in dire conditions, prompting a significant legal response and raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
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Charles Dupriest, 33, received his sentence on April 9, following a conviction in January on multiple charges, including five felony counts of child neglect. Additionally, he was found guilty of three misdemeanor child neglect counts and one firearms-related charge. The court’s decision was influenced by the appalling circumstances in which the children were found on September 16, 2025.
Authorities responded to reports of a child crying inside the storage unit located near 27th Street and Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee. Upon arrival, fire crews had to cut through a padlock to gain access. Inside, the conditions were described as “putrid” — the children had no electricity, running water, or proper sanitation facilities, relying on a bucket as a bathroom.
The children revealed to investigators that they had been looking after one another. They often scavenged for food in nearby rubbish bins and had no means of seeking assistance. Reports indicate that Dupriest and their mother, 26-year-old Azyia Zielinski, would drink and smoke in the proximity of the storage unit, leaving the children to fend for themselves, except for the infant. Allegations of physical discipline further compounded the situation, as the children reported instances of being subjected to “whoopings.”
Zielinski later confirmed that the children had been residing in the unit for about six weeks. She admitted to providing the bucket used for hygiene purposes and informed authorities that alternative housing options were available to them. The pair was eventually located sleeping in an SUV parked nearby the storage facility, with Dupriest stating that they had once been sleeping with the children until their family pet damaged their vehicle.
During the trial, prosecutors emphasised that Dupriest’s actions reflected a conscious choice rather than a situation born purely out of poverty. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Hasle stated that the case was not aimed at punishing financial struggles but rather to hold accountable those who place children in harm’s way. Dupriest faced a potential sentence of up to 14 years and was ultimately penalised with a combination of jail time, including concurrent 18-month sentences for the serious child neglect charges.
In addition to his prison term, Dupriest has been instructed by the court to attend parenting classes and receive mental health treatment upon his release. The judge also imposed five years of extended supervised release following his time behind bars, which adds another layer to the consequences he will face stemming from this case.
Zielinski, meanwhile, took a plea deal, admitting guilt to two misdemeanor counts of child neglect. In March, she received an 18-month sentence that was largely suspended in favour of an 18-month probation period.
The disturbing circumstances surrounding the case have sparked public outrage and highlighted ongoing concerns about child welfare and safety. Advocates have urged that monitoring and preventative measures must be put in place to ensure the safety of vulnerable children in similar situations.
If anyone suspects child abuse, they are encouraged to reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) for support. The hotline is available 24/7 in over 170 languages, offering confidential assistance to those in need.