Eldon police arrest woman accused of leaving children in car to gamble at gas station

Eldon police arrested Sandra Stone on Sunday after officers were dispatched to the Eagle Stop Gas Station on West Fourth Street for reports of child neglect.

According to the probable cause statement, authorities were called about Stone on previous occasions for child neglect.

Employees of the gas station told police that Stone had left her children in the car to play a “gambling game” inside. Stone was accused of being in the store for over 30 minutes, while her children kept coming in to say they were hungry.

Officers found Stone in a silver Kia with two children. When asked if there was drugs in the car, Stone kept saying there was nothing illegal inside of the vehicle.

A K-9 unit was dispatched to the area and indicated there was a drug presence in the vehicle. Officers found two plastic bags that tested positive for methamphetamine.

According to the probable cause statement, Stone had been previously sentenced to two years probation for unlawful use of drug paraphernalia in Jefferson City.

Stone was charged with possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs.