MARION — After surveillance by Marion Police and Health Agent David Flaherty, the Marion Board of Health suspects the condemned house at 464 Front Street is being occupied. 

At a Nov. 3 Board of Health meeting, Flaherty said he hasn’t seen people inside, but he’s witnessed other clues that point toward the house being occupied.

“I did see cars move around,” Flaherty said. He added that “There’s just no activity visible inside” when he’s checked the house. 

The house was condemned when owner Lauren Fisher, 65, was arrested for two counts of animal cruelty, interfering with a police officer, and resisting arrest on Dec. 11, 2019.

Since then, the house has remained unlivable.

A nine-page affidavit used to obtain the search warrant for the home details that 51 animals that were removed from the property and years of observed maltreatment and neglect of dozens of animals took place in the home.

There is an outstanding order to demolish the house in December, a year after the house was condemned if conditions do not improve. 

“I think we’re going to get something last minute from them,” Flaherty said. 

Flaherty noted that anectodal evidence from Fisher’s lawyer suggests the house has recently had plumbing and electrical work.

Board Chair Edward Hoffer said he would continue to attempt to stay in contact with Fisher’s lawyer.