ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Several cases involving alleged child victims were in court Thursday morning during regular arraignments.

Dylan Bryan Baird, 26, of 20 Maple St., Bridgeport appeared before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra. Baird pleaded innocent to a count of endangering children, a felony of the third degree allegedly occurring July 25. A recognizance bond was set.

Ashley Rebecca Marino, 29, of 54420 Wabash St., Bridgeport, was also arraigned and pleaded innocent to felonious assault, a felony of the second degree, and endangering children, a felony of the third degree, allegedly occurring July 25. Vavra set her bond at $25,000.

Because Vavra and Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato both know relatives of the defendants, a visiting judge has been assigned and will set dates for the proceedings.

Charges stem from the arrest of four people in July when law enforcement executed a welfare check on a house on Wabash Street in Bridgeport. They reportedly found garbage piled up outside the entryway and further unhealthy living conditions, as well as injuries such as lesions and sores on the four children in the residence. Drug paraphernalia was also allegedly at the residence.

The children, ages 1 through 7 years old, were immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment and care.

The other two individuals arrested have not gone before a grand jury yet. Records indicate that one is a registered sex offender.

Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services Director Vince Gianangeli said the four children were currently in emergency custody.

“They are placed in two separate foster homes and are doing well,” he said, adding that his office will seek temporary custody with the possibility of family reunification. “They’re actually doing well with both foster families. They’re excelling and we’re happy with those placements. … We’re hoping eventually mom gets her life back in order.”

In other matters, Melisa Marie Buhles, 31, of 226 Pearl St., Flushing, pleaded innocent to rape, a felony of the first degree, and gross sexual imposition, a felony of the third degree, both allegedly occurring Jan. 11, 2012. Her pre-trial was set for Oct. 28, with a plea agreement hearing Nov. 12 and trial Nov. 19. Her bond was set at $100,000.

Belmont County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Vavra said Buhles is accused of sexually abusing two children known to her. The children would have been younger than 12 years old at the time. The offense allegedly occurred at Buhles’ residence, but Vavra was unsure where they were residing at the time.

Fregiato also heard the case of Benjamin M. Wise, 30, of 238 S. Broadway, Barnesville, who pleaded innocent to rape, a felony of the first degree, and gross sexual imposition, a felony of the fourth degree, allegedly occurring Sept. 12. His pre-trial hearing was set for Nov. 4, with a plea agreement hearing Nov. 18 and trial Nov. 26. His bond remains set at $25,000. Joseph Vavra said there were two female victims. The offenses allegedly occurred in Barnesville.

Additionally, George James Zachery Lekanudos, 31, of 433 36th St., Bellaire, pleaded innocent to felonious assault, a felony of the second degree, and endangering children, a felony of the third degree, allegedly occurring on Aug. 23. His pre-trial hearing was set for Oct. 21, with a plea agreement hearing Nov. 4 and trial Nov. 14. His bond of $50,000 remains.