Portage Woman Accused of Leaving Children in Deplorable Home
A Portage woman has been formally charged in two separate cases after authorities say she left her children home alone in a filthy residence, and later caused a disturbance during a child welfare investigation.
According to court documents, police were dispatched to the home of 39-year-old Ashley Morgan Fowler on July 19, 2025. Officers allege Fowler, the mother and primary caregiver, left her three children — ages 14, 11, and 8 — unsupervised at their residence in the 2500 block of Patricia Street. While she was gone, one of the children reportedly suffered a seizure.
Investigators described the home as being in deplorable condition, noting trash scattered throughout the residence, a strong foul odor of animal feces and urine, holes in the walls, and warped, discolored flooring.
The following day, officers returned to the residence and observed Fowler yelling while standing on her porch. According to police, she drew the attention of a neighbor by yelling and continued to raise her voice while speaking with a Department of Child Family Services agent, despite being told multiple times to stop.
Charges filed on July 21, 2025:
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony (3 counts)
• Disorderly Conduct (Unreasonable Noise) – Class B Misdemeanor
Fowler was lodged in the Porter County Jail on July 23, 2025.
