5 indicted in Dyer, Lake County child abuse and neglect investigation
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WEST TENNESSEE DRUG TASK FORCE:
DYER COUNTY, TN — The West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (WTDTF) in conjunction with 29th Judicial District Attorneys’ General, Danny Goodman, Jr., has announced the indictments of five individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into aggravated child abuse and / or neglect in Dyer and Lake Counties.
The investigations all began during search warrants where children were present. Agents contacted the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) after encountering children under the age of eight at the homes where drugs and drug sales were present. At the request of DCS, the children underwent hair follicle testing to test for exposure to the drugs. In all five cases, test results revealed the presence of illegal narcotics including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in all of the children tested.
Authorities allege that the children were exposed to the dangerous and illegal substances while in the care of the defendants. As a result, five individuals have been indicted by the Grand Juries on charges of aggravated child abuse and / or neglect, a class B felony. The children involved have been removed from the environments where the exposures allegedly occurred and are receiving appropriate care through the Department of Children’s Services.
“Children should never be exposed to this level of danger,” said Director Johnie Carter. “These indictments reflect the seriousness of these situations and our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Tennessee Code Annotated 39-15-402 states in part that a person commits the offense of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect or aggravated child endangerment… and (2) A deadly weapon, dangerous instrumentality, controlled substance or controlled substance analogue is used to accomplish the act of abuse, neglect or endangerment.
“We take all crime seriously in the 29th district but we take an even tougher stance when it comes to people who are vulnerable such as children. It is our duty protect those who cannot defend themselves and we will prosecute all cases such as these to the fullest extent of the law.”, said 29th District Attorney General, Danny Goodman, Jr.
The Drug Task Force worked jointly with the 29th District Attorney General’s office, local law enforcement agencies and DCS during these investigations. Additional charges may still be forthcoming as the investigations continue.
As with all criminal cases, the individuals indicted are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information related to illegal drug activity or child endangerment is encouraged to contact the Drug Task Force at (901) 222-1480 or via Facebook Messenger @westtndtf
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