Mom In Dirty-Home Case Is Held

BELLEVUE - Brandia Taamu, whose children were found last week in what police described as a filthy apartment, was arrested on a traffic warrant when police and a state Child Protective Services worker went to her home to take her young twins into protective custody.

Police Lt. Bill Ferguson said officers and the CPS caseworker went to the home in the 1300 block of 145th Place Southeast at 6:30 p.m. Friday. He said the CPS worker told Taamu that the two 6-year-olds, a boy and a girl, were being taken because their welfare was endangered.

Ferguson said the caseworker said she had information that the woman had plans to leave for the weekend without the children. Taamu, 32, was booked into the King County Jail on an outstanding traffic warrant and released Saturday morning on her personal recognizance.

When police responding to a 911 hang-up call Oct. 12 arrived at her apartment, they found two 14-year-old boys passed out. They were supposed to be taking care of six children, all under 8 years old. Police said the apartment was dirty and that the floors were covered with clothing and rotting food.