Monday, Jun. 01, 2009

3 small children turned over to DSS after drug arrests

Three children ages three and under have been taken from people arrested on drug charges at their Newberry County home.

The children have been turned over to the S.C. Department of Social Services, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Department in a press release Monday morning.

One of the people arrested was a relative of the children, but authorities declined to be more specific because they want to protect the children’s privacy, the department said.

The incident leading up to the children’s removal began shortly before midnight Saturday, when Newberry County deputies went to a Prosperity residence at 1664 Bachman Chapel Road.

Deputies had gotten a call “from a concerned citizen” who said there might be activities at the house that might put the children’s health at risk, said sheriff’s Major Todd Johnson.

“When deputies arrived at the residence, they ...were able to see in plain view a marijuana plant growing at the residence,” he said.

“The officers also observed a partially smoked marijuana cigarette on the porch of the residence.”

On entering the home, deputies found one suspect and then located two more - one hiding in a kitchen cabinet and another in a closet, said Johnson.

Narcotics officers with a K-9 dog then located “just over one ounce of marijuana Packed in small plastic baggies,” as well as drug paraphernalia, he said.

The deputies found three small children asleep and turned them over to DSS.

Three suspects in the case were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. They are:

Courtney M. Chavis, 21, of 1664 Bachman Chapel Road, Prosperity.

Fred Sexton III, 29, of 1664 Bachman Chapel Road, Prosperity.

Jordan Ethan Manning, 19, of 4229 Highway 391, Prosperity. Additional charges are expected to be levied against the three for reckless endangerment of children.

The three suspects were taken to the Newberry County Detention Center, then released by a Newberry County Magistrate on a $1000.00 personal appearance bond. That means they did not put up any money and promised to appear in court.

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