Boone County parents in custody for child neglect

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two Boone County parents are in custody and facing child neglect felony charges Monday after law enforcement found their three children living in dangerous conditions.

Deputies arrived to the 3500 block of New Haven road Sunday night after receiving a call for a domestic disturbance. When deputies arrived they found an intoxicated Tommie Jones and his wife Whitney Jones arguing in the front yard.

Captain Brian Leer, with the Boone County Sheriff's office, said deputies do not want to break up families if they do not have to, but if it protects the children it's their duty.

"It was throughout that investigation that they learned that the residence was in a condition that was not safe for children to be in," Leer said.

Upon entering the home deputies found three children living in terrible conditions.

"A lot of trash throughout the house, a bug infestation things of that nature," Leer said.

Deputies reported the house was covered with decaying food, dirty dishes, trash and swarms of roaches on the walls and floors.

Because of the odor deputies had to exit the home often, to avoid gagging and being nauseous.

Court documents say the five-person family was also sharing one bed.

Because of the dirty conditions and lack of sustainable food, deputies working the scene took the children into protective custody.

Leer said there is criteria that deputies look for when putting children in protective custody.

"It could be anything from dangerous instruments, drugs. Toddlers have access to medication they shouldn't have, have firearms do they have clothing, bedding do they have shelter, is the house in condition to keep them safe that sort of thing," Leer said.

Tommie and Whitney Jones are each being held on a $5,000 bond.