Jefferson City couple accused of child endangerment

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.

Jefferson City police arrested a couple after allegedly finding animal waste on the floor of their apartment and a 1-year-old sleeping near a syringe filled with drugs.

Police were at the home of Chad R. Miller and Candice Shockley on Tuesday to arrest the couple on outstanding warrants, according to a probable cause statement. Miller and Shockley signed a consent form to search their residence after the Division of Family Services took custody of the child based on a complaint, according to a probable cause statement.

Police say in the probable cause statement that the home was "filthy with trash" and "animal feces covering the floor throughout the residence." Officers found six methamphetamine pipes and found a loaded syringe, a meth pipe, a scale and a small plastic bag containing what is likely methamphetamine between the mattress the child was sleeping on and the box spring, according to the statement.

The child was taken into protective custody.

Miller and Shockley are charged with one count each of child endangerment, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were booked into the Cole County Jail without bond.