Moberly woman charged with leaving three kids unattended, having oxycodone

A Moberly woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of children that created a substantial risk after officers responded to the 400 block of Reed Street in reference to three kids calling 911 because they were left alone.

According to the probable cause statement, when officers arrived on scene Tara Belcher was pulling up to the residence and looked to be concerned that police were there.

Belcher told officers that she did not leave the children alone for a long time and claimed it was acceptable to leave them because she left them her cell phone.

Police said when they were inside of the residence they found oxycodone. Belcher claimed the pills were not hers but eventually admitted she illegally purchased them.

Officers also said the residence was overly unorganized and unsanitary. There were multiple bugs throughout the entire house and inside food boxes.

Police talked with a neighbor who claimed that the children are left at the residence unsupervised frequently.

Belcher was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.