Police in Missouri are investigating some incredibly serious and disturbing allegations of prolonged abuse involving two teenagers who were allegedly subjected to violence, neglect and intimidation over a period of years. The case centres on claims that the children, now aged 13 and 14, were isolated, malnourished and repeatedly harmed while living at a property in Potosi. Authorities say that the situation only came to light late last year after the teenagers sought help from another adult. Both suspects have since been arrested and the case remains ongoing. (Pictures: Washington County Sheriffs Office)
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, concerns were raised in December after the Division of Family Services flagged what officers later described as a ‘pattern of ongoing abuse’. Charging documents allege that the children were locked inside a chicken pen as punishment and subjected to what police called ‘fight nights’. During these incidents, the teenagers were allegedly forced to physically harm each other under adult supervision. Investigators say one such incident reportedly took place during a child’s birthday celebration. (Picture: WBRC)
The alleged abuse wasn’t just limited to physical violence, either. Court documents claim that the teenagers were given drugs and alcohol and were routinely denied food and shelter. Police say the children weren’t enrolled in school and medical professionals later determined that neither child could read or write. Officers believe that the combination of neglect and isolation left the teenagers extremely vulnerable. When they were finally examined, authorities described them as severely underweight, raising further concerns about their welfare. (Picture: WBRC)
Investigators say that fear was allegedly used to keep the teenagers silent. According to US TV news channel FOX 5, the couple are also accused of threatening the children with real firearms, warning them they would be shot if they ever spoke about what was happening. Police also allege the teens were routinely shot at with BB guns during episodes of abuse. Officers say these threats created an environment in which the children felt unable to escape or report what they were experiencing, despite the ongoing harm they were allegedly subjected to. (Picture: Getty Images)
The case reportedly came to the attention of authorities after the teenagers approached an adult guardian asking for food. According to a probable cause statement, the woman recognised how underweight the two children were and allowed them into her home. Police say that the children’s mother later agreed to give the woman custody. The guardian claimed she received a cell phone and a phone plan in exchange for taking responsibility for the teenagers, an arrangement authorities say was documented using a power of attorney. (Picture: WBRC)
The children’s mother, Chantel Hayford, faces a wide range of charges including allegations of ‘inappropriate sexual contact’ with one of the teenagers. Prosecutors have charged her with two counts each of first-degree kidnapping and first-degree domestic assault, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of abuse or neglect of a child. Hayford has not entered a plea and the allegations remain unproven at this stage. (Picture: Washington County Sheriffs Office)
Jerry Menees, who was also living at the property, has been charged with two counts each of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, armed criminal action and abuse or neglect of a child. Authorities say both suspects were arrested on January 13 after a search warrant was executed at their Potosi home, where much of the alleged abuse is believed to have taken place. Police continue to gather evidence as the investigation progresses. (Picture: Washington County Sheriffs Office)
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, investigators have urged caution while the legal process continues. On a social media account appearing to belong to Hayford, she describes herself as a ‘hardworking mother of five’ who works as a cashier and salesperson. Police have not commented on the account. Authorities say their priority remains the wellbeing of the teenagers as the case moves through the courts, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks. (Picture: WBRC)Add as preferred source
