Video Shows Squalor That Lyndhurst Cops Say Couple Kept Kids, Pets In

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A video obtained by Daily Voice shows the squalid conditions that a New Jersey couple is accused of keeping their children and pets in.

James Wapinsy and Sarafina Gorfinkle had children, emaciated dogs, and drug paraphernalia inside of their Lyndhurst home that officers described as "totally uninhabitable."

Officers were called to the home at 11:11 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, for a welfare check requested by a concerned family member who was worried about the living conditions and the children inside the home, according to Lyndhurst Police Capt. Paul Haggerty.

When officers entered, they found the home in complete disarray, with dog feces on the floor, malodors throughout, and drug paraphernalia scattered around the first-floor apartment, police said.

"The officers responding were overcome by what they were faced with and found the living conditions to be emotionally disturbing," Haggerty said.

A video obtained by Daily Voice shows clothing and toys strewn throughout the home and endless clutter.

Special to Daily Voice

Police determined the home was uninhabitable. Gorfinkle had been taken to New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus for rehab prior to officers’ arrival, Haggerty said.

Wapinsky was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (third degree), possession of drug paraphernalia (disorderly persons offense), endangering the welfare of a child (second degree), and neglect of a child (fourth degree), Haggerty said. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail.

Gorfinkle was charged with the same offenses while being treated at New Bridge Medical Center, police said.

Two dogs, a husky and a pit bull, were found emaciated inside the home, and the department’s animal cruelty officer will be following up with additional charges, Haggerty said.